All posts by K S Krishna

Paytm Money Launches ‘Pay Later’ Margin Trading Facility

December 19, 2024: Paytm Money, India’s home-grown Wealth Tech app, has launched the ‘Pay Later’ Margin Trading Facility, allowing investors to buy and invest in stocks by paying just a fraction of the total value upfront. The platform will fund the balance amount and charge a nominal introductory interest of 1% per month on trades executed through ‘Pay Later’ (MTF). This enhances investors’ ability to capitalize on market opportunities and ensures that investors pay only for the funds they actually use.

This launch of Pay Later (MTF) on Paytm Money would benefit traders and investors by making trading more accessible and flexible, particularly to those looking to enhance their exposure to the stock market without committing the full capital upfront. Additionally, it democratizes stock market participation, making it easier and more affordable for retail investors across the country.

As part of its commitment to providing a seamless experience, Paytm Money has designed the Pay Later (MTF) activation process to be simple and user-friendly. Investors can activate Pay Later (MTF) in a few minutes directly through their account settings, in a seamless way. Alternatively, users can enable Pay Later (MTF) while placing an order for any eligible stock by selecting the ‘Margin’ option and agreeing to the terms and conditions right on the order page.

Rakesh Singh, MD & CEO, of Paytm Money said, “We are committed to simplifying investments and enhancing financial accessibility. Our ‘Pay Later (Margin Trading Facility)’ enhances the purchasing power of investors, especially those looking to increase their exposure to the stock market without committing the full capital upfront. This initiative aligns with our goal to democratize financial growth, making stock market investing more affordable and accessible to a broader audience.”

The platform has introduced a limited-time affordable interest rate of 1% per month, which will be valid until 31st March 2025. With nearly 1,000 MTF-enabled stocks and competitive interest rates, it will enable traders and investors to optimize their investment opportunities with limited funds.

Paytm Money also offers a ‘Margin Pledge’ through which traders can use their stock holdings to get leverage for their trades. With Pay Later (MTF), traders have another facility to use the power of leverage. It has also broadened its extensive range of services including the launch of the BSE Futures & Options (BSE F&O) trading service giving traders the option to trade SENSEX and BANKEX Option contracts.

Notably, Paytm Money recently unveiled a newly redesigned app in a major revamp to simplify investing and enhance user experience. The revamped app features an intuitive interface, personalized dashboards, and smarter tools to empower investors at every step. With enhanced portfolio insights, improved transaction flows, and actionable dashboards for Stocks and F&O trading, the new app caters to the evolving needs of modern investors.

Seqrite’s Report: Healthcare Industry Faces Rising Cybersecurity Threats

19th December 2024: The healthcare sector in India has emerged as the most targeted industry for cyber threats, according to the latest cyber threat report released by Seqrite, the enterprise security arm of Quick Heal, a global provider of cybersecurity solutions. The report, prepared by researchers at Seqrite Labs, India’s largest malware analysis facility, in collaboration with the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), highlights a concerning trend, with healthcare accounting for 21.82% of all detected cyber threats in 2024, surpassing other high-risk industries such as hospitality (19.57%) and banking, financial services, and insurance (17.38%).

The report, titled ‘India Cyber Threat Report 2025’, also reveals that the healthcare industry experienced an average of 37.29 detections per endpoint, the highest among all sectors analyzed. This vulnerability is attributed to several factors, including the sensitive nature of medical data, outdated systems, and the rapid digitization of healthcare services such as electronic health records and telemedicine platforms. These elements have made healthcare organizations attractive targets for sophisticated cybercriminals.

Malware detections in the healthcare sector were dominated by Trojans, which accounted for 43.38% of all threats. Infectors followed at 34.23%, while worms constituted 8.43%. These malicious programs often exploit vulnerabilities in legacy systems or use phishing tactics to gain unauthorized access to networks. The report also noted that ransomware, though comprising a smaller percentage of detections at 0.30%, remains a significant threat due to its potential to disrupt critical healthcare operations.

Geographically, Telangana recorded the highest detection rate in India with 55.90 detections per endpoint, followed by Tamil Nadu and Delhi. The report also highlights the vulnerability of major urban centers, with Surat leading at 69.34 detections per endpoint, followed by Bengaluru and Jaipur. The prominence of these regions reflects their advanced digital infrastructure and high concentration of technology-driven industries, which inadvertently increases their exposure to cyber risks.

Emerging threats targeting the healthcare sector included Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), vulnerabilities in the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), supply chain attacks, and AI-powered attacks. These sophisticated threats exploit the increased digitization and interconnectedness of healthcare systems, posing significant risks to patient data and critical healthcare services.

To combat these evolving threats, Seqrite recommends conducting regular security audits, employee training on cybersecurity best practices, implementation of advanced threat detection systems, and collaboration with cybersecurity firms. The findings of the ‘India Cyber Threat Report 2025’ underscore the critical need for the healthcare industry to prioritize cybersecurity investments and strengthen defenses against the growing tide of cyberattacks.

The implications of these findings extend beyond the healthcare sector, highlighting the need for a comprehensive, nationwide approach to cybersecurity. As India continues its digital transformation, protecting critical infrastructure, including healthcare systems, becomes paramount for national security and public health. The joint report prepared by Seqrite and DSCI serves as a wake-up call for healthcare providers and policymakers to bolster their defenses and adapt to the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape.

POCO Launches M7 Pro 5G and C75 5G

December 19th, 2024: Wrapping up an eventful year with a bang, POCO, one of India’s most dynamic consumer tech brands, proudly announces the launch of two groundbreaking smartphones—POCO M7 Pro 5G and POCO C75 5G. Designed to push boundaries in their respective segments, these devices redefine what’s possible in display brilliance, performance, and affordability.

“At POCO, we’ve always believed in crafting tech that empowers everyone,” said Himanshu Tandon, Country Head of POCO India. “The M7 Pro 5G is a powerhouse that reimagines the mid-range category with the segment’s brightest AMOLED display, immersive audio, and flagship-grade cameras. Meanwhile, the C75 5G is the most affordable 5G smartphone, with Only Sony sensor. With these launches, POCO stays true to its mission of delivering more innovation and more value to our fans.”

POCO M7 Pro 5G – The Ultimate Entertainment Beast

Unmatched Visual Brilliance

Set your sights on the segment’s brightest AMOLED display, offering a dazzling 2100 nits peak brightness on a 6.67” GOLED FHD+ screen. With HDR10+ and a 120Hz Adaptive Refresh Rate, every frame comes to life with stunning clarity and fluidity.

Immersive Audio

Dive into a cinematic experience with Dolby Atmos-powered speakers, featuring a 300% volume boost for immersive sound.

Flagship-Grade Photography

From vibrant landscapes to detailed night shots, the 50MP Sony LYT-600 camera with OIS and segment’s largest f/1.5 aperture ensures every click is exceptional. With AI-powered features like AI Night Mode and AI Zoom, photography feels effortless.

Elegant Design Meets Durability

Crafted with a slim 7.99mm premium dual-tone finish and Corning Gorilla Glass 5, the M7 Pro 5G seamlessly blends style and strength.

Power-Packed Performance

Driven by the MediaTek Dimensity 7025 Ultra chipset and 7,820.5mm² Graphite Cooling system, this device delivers smooth multitasking and lag-free gaming.

Reliable Battery Life

A massive 5110mAh battery with 45W fast charging ensures you’re always powered up.

Available in Lunar Dust, Lavender Frost, and Olive Twilight, the M7 Pro 5G is as beautiful as it is powerful.

POCO C75 5G – India’s Most Affordable 5G Smartphone

Future-Ready Connectivity

At an incredible price point, the C75 5G brings dual 5G SIM support, ensuring you’re always connected to the latest network technology.

Photography Redefined

Featuring a 50MP Sony camera, this segment-first device captures stunning photos with 4-in-1 Pixel Binning and advanced aperture settings. Classic film filters add a nostalgic charm to your shots.

Lag-Free Powerhouse

Powered by the Snapdragon 4s Gen 2 processor, the segment’s only 4nm chip, the C75 5G offers seamless performance for gaming, multitasking, and more.

Largest, Smoothest Display

The 6.88” HD+ screen with 600 nits brightness and 120Hz refresh rate promises vibrant visuals. With TÜV-certified eye care, enjoy long hours of entertainment comfortably.

Built to Last

A 5160mAh battery with 18W fast charging, IP52 splash resistance, and ergonomic design ensure the C75 5G stands the test of time.

Available in Enchanted Green, Aqua Blue, and Silver Stardust, this device is all about blending style, utility, and durability.

LEAD Group Launches ‘Pinnacle’ for 60,000+ Schools

December 19, 2024: LEAD Group, India’s leading School Edtech pioneer, today announced the launch of Pinnacle — a first-of-its-kind, modern curriculum solution that combines deeply researched curriculum, pedagogy, and content — to address the unmet needs of more than 60,000 high-fee schools across India. Pinnacle brings the much-needed innovation and academic excellence that India’s high-fee schools are seeking beyond regular curricula. Pinnacle not only combines deeply researched, NCF-aligned curriculum, pedagogy, and content but also blends AI and other advanced education technologies to enable a truly multi-modal, personalized and adaptive learning experience for students. Over the next 3 years, Pinnacle is expected to contribute 40% of LEAD Group’s total revenue, underscoring its importance in the company’s growth strategy.

Parental spending in the high-fee school segment is projected to reach Rs. 4,300 billion by 2030, reflecting a growing demand for quality education. Pinnacle’s deeply researched solutions will meet this rising parental demand for propulsive education.

Sumeet Mehta, CEO and Co-Founder, LEAD Group, said, “Designed and developed in India, Pinnacle is built on more than two years of research and insights from collaborations with schools nationwide. It addresses the long-unfulfilled needs of progressive Indian schools by offering a modern curriculum solution that builds on the best in curriculum, pedagogy and technology, and is fully aligned with NCF 2023. This is a first in school education in India and marks a significant shift from traditional approaches that have primarily focused on books, or standalone software or smart classroom content. We are building an education brand that is made in India and is the best in the world!”

Pinnacle’s flagship innovation, the TECHBOOK, introduces India’s first AI-enabled intelligent books, personalizing learning through data-driven insights and AR-enhanced experiences to boost student learning outcomes. Pinnacle also includes Code.AI, a project-based coding and AI program with a free coding platform designed to nurture technology creators and innovators. The TECHBOOK and Code.AI build on Pinnacle’s Textbook series that leverages world-renowned pedagogies for deeper conceptual understanding Pinnacle also includes ACADEMIA for AI-powered assessments and teacher training for schools; and Pinnacle+ for comprehensive school support, including curriculum integration and infrastructure upgrades.

Pinnacle by LEAD Group meets the growing demand for innovation and integration in progressive Indian schools striving to distinguish themselves. It empowers schools to streamline operations while maintaining the highest standards of learning.

YES Foundation Celebrates 12 years of Driving Social Impact

December 19, 2024: YES Foundation, the social development arm of YES BANK, celebrated its 12th Anniversary highlighting its transformative impact on over 1 million lives across 70 districts in 18 states. Anchored in a commitment to employment generation, entrepreneurship, and environmental sustainability, the Foundation’s work is guided by its focused 3E strategy to equip India’s youth and communities for economic and social growth

In 2021, the YES Foundation launched its five-year strategy to inspire India’s youth to drive economic and social development by equipping themselves with market-oriented skills and embracing entrepreneurship. The strategy aims to create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for over 100,000 youth by 2026 through focused initiatives across the 3Es – Employability, Entrepreneurship, and Environmental Sustainability.

Since the inception of its five-year strategy, the Foundation has trained over 10,000 youth in market-oriented jobs, enhanced the income of over 40,000 farmers, women, and artisans from villages across multiple states, and planted over 3 lakh trees through its agroforestry projects.

The anniversary celebration, held at YES BANK’s headquarters in Mumbai, saw Mr. Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, of YES BANK, along with senior leaders, trustees, and advisory council members, felicitating implementation partners and employee volunteers for their contributions.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK said “I believe that our work, both at YES BANK and through YES Foundation, is aligned with addressing inequalities and disparities. We are committed to making a meaningful difference – not as charity, but as a deliberate effort to create a society where opportunity is not a privilege, but a right.”

The event also featured capacity-building programs for implementation partners, aimed at:

· Perspective Building – Exposure to diverse and different thoughts, ideas, and contexts

· Networking – Opportunities to build connections with other implementation partners

· Broadening Horizons – Sparking innovation through external insights on thematic focus areas

Beauty Garage Shines at Hyderabad Professional Beauty Expo

December 19, 2024 – Beauty Garage Professional, a trailblazing Made-in-India hair care brand, captivated visitors at the Professional Beauty India Expo, held on December 17th and 18th, 2024, at Hitex Hall, Hyderabad. The two-day event brought together top industry players, showcasing cutting-edge innovations in the beauty and salon sectors.

Established in 2017 by Mahesh and Jigar Ravaria, Beauty Garage Professional has carved a niche in the hair care industry with its premium-quality, research-driven products. During the Hyderabad expo, the brand experienced exceptional footfall and customer engagement, highlighting its position as a leader in the hair care segment.

Known for its commitment to excellence, Beauty Garage Professional used the platform to emphasize its high-end product quality and robust R&D capabilities in the manufacturing segment. Attendees had the opportunity to explore the brand’s diverse offerings, designed to repair, restore, and elevate hair health through innovative solutions.

Speaking about the event’s success, Mahesh Ravaria, Co-founder and CEO of Beauty Garage Professional, said, “The tremendous response we received at the Hyderabad expo reaffirms our belief in the power of innovation and quality. Beauty Garage Professional is deeply committed to revolutionizing hair care through advanced research and development. Our mission is to provide salon professionals and clients with effective solutions that cater to modern hair care needs while championing the ‘Make in India’ spirit.”

Beauty Garage Professional’s relentless focus on innovation has driven its growth and solidified its reputation as a trusted partner for salons nationwide. As the brand continues to expand its footprint in the beauty industry, events like the Professional Beauty India Expo serve as vital platforms to connect with industry stakeholders and showcase its vision for the future of hair care.

FincFriends Hires Sunil Kumar Dinodiya as CISO

December 2024: FincFriends, the captive non-banking financial company (NBFC) of the digital lending platform RupeeRedee has announced the appointment of Sunil Kumar Dinodiya as Chief Information Security Officer. The appointment aims at strengthening the fintech company’s regulatory compliance to protect its digital assets and build trust among the customers.

With over 16+ years of experience in IT and cyber security, Sunil specializes in cybersecurity, Application security, Cloud security, risk management, data privacy, and GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance). His deep expertise extends to IS audits, and the implementation and review of key information security frameworks and standards including ISO 27001, PCI DSS, GDPR, NIST, COSO, and Data localization. At FincFriends, he will play a significant role in overseeing and driving the organization’s information security practices.

Optimistic about the appointment, Artem Andreev, CEO of FincFriends said, “As a fintech company, we understand that security and risk mitigation is the foundation to IT & Security Data Security, Application security, Cloud security regulatory compliance. With Sunil getting onboarded, we look forward to safeguarding sensitive data while also setting new benchmarks in cybersecurity excellence across the industry.”

Elated with the appointment, Sunil Kumar Dinodiya, the new Chief Information Security Officer of FincFriends said, “In today’s fierce digital age, cybersecurity is about innovation with confidence. I am excited to bring my expertise to FincFriends ensuring that our systems remain robust and our customers feel secure as they avail our digital lending offerings.”

As RupeeRedee continues to make significant strides in the digital lending market, Sunil’s appointment will be critical in ensuring the integrity and security of all IT systems, as well as managing RBI regulatory compliance across the organization. He will focus on strengthening the IT security framework, building strategic relationships with regulatory agencies, and implementing risk mitigation strategies.

Prior to joining FincFriends, Sunil held leadership roles as Vice president at Oxane Partners, Truebalance as AGM-Infosec and HCL Group as Associate Manager IT, Tech Mahindra as IT infosec. His previous roles have helped him acquire robust skills in conducting assessments of current IT security, cyber practices, IT risk compliance, GRC, and systems and identifying areas for improvement.

HCLTech Opens SAP Business AI Lab in Germany

Dec 18, 2024—HCLTech, a leading global technology company, today launched an innovation lab for SAP Business AI in Munich, Germany to enable clients to explore industry applications and kickstart and expand AI programs.

The innovation lab opening underscores the strategic partnership between HCLTech and SAP and will help enable clients to swiftly transition to SAP S/4HANA Cloud through RISE with SAP by utilizing SAP Business AI technology.

Integrated with HCLTech’s global AI & Cloud Native Lab network, the dedicated facility utilizes advanced agentic AI-based solutions and features of the HCLTech AI Force platform alongside SAP AI Core infrastructure to co-create customized GenAI-led solutions. The core areas of impact include

Value Stream Transformation – Accelerate the adoption of RISE with SAP and redefine industry value chains with GenAI-powered products, tools, and frameworks, including HCLTech AI Foundry.
Service Transformation – Enhance software development in SAP solutions using innovative HCLTech delivery frameworks, such as AI Force, that leverage GenAI acceleration.
Cloud Native Transformation – Optimize cloud operations for clients with GenAI-enhanced capabilities.

“The lab in Munich highlights our strong partnership with SAP, showcasing our combined AI capabilities to deliver exceptional value to our clients,” said Vijay Guntur, Global Chief Technology Officer and Head of Ecosystems, at HCLTech.

“AI is revolutionizing industries faster than ever before, and the HCLTech Lab for SAP Business AI in Munich is helping customers to keep pace with the speed of this transformation. The AI Lab offers them an immersive space to explore and harness the potential of SAP Business AI. Together with HCLTech, we’re not just adapting to change—we’re setting new industry benchmarks and enabling our customers to achieve their boldest ambitions,” said Thomas Saueressig, Executive Board Member, SAP SE.

HCLTech’s global network of AI & Cloud Native Labs are located in Germany, the UK, US, Singapore and India. The company’s AI Force, Enterprise AI Foundry and AI Engineering capabilities are available at these AI labs globally, unlocking exciting AI and GenAI possibilities for organizations in every industry sector.

Teleperformance Expands Operations in India

December 18, 2024– Teleperformance (TP), a global leader in outsourced digital business services, is fueling India’s growth as a global digital powerhouse with a major expansion across the country, focusing on existing sites and Tier 2 cities. In 2024, TP launched four ultra-modern facilities in Noida, Lucknow, Gurgaon, and Chennai, while also expanding its presence in existing hubs like Gurgaon, Mohali, Hyderabad, and Mumbai. This growth brings TP’s total footprint to an impressive 40 delivery centers across 14 cities in India, solidifying its position as a major employer in the BPM industry. With a current workforce of 90,000 employees, TP aims to reach 150,000 employees in India, demonstrating its confidence in the country’s burgeoning digital economy.

This strategic move is not just about building infrastructure; it’s about investing in communities and creating meaningful employment opportunities that are transforming the nation’s digital landscape. TP’s ambitious growth strategy is creating a ripple effect of positive impact, empowering local talent and driving economic growth in emerging urban hubs. The strategically located centers are designed to provide a progressive work environment that fosters collaboration, innovation, and employee well-being, highlighting the company’s commitment to providing futuristic, employee-centric workspaces.

Beyond infrastructure, TP is heavily investing in training and upskilling programs focused on key areas like AI, cloud solutions, and customer experience management. These initiatives are designed to equip employees with the new-age skills required to succeed in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. By empowering local talent, TP is committed to developing a workforce that is not only job-ready but future-ready; this underscores the company’s long-term vision and confidence in the country’s growth trajectory as a digital hub.

Looking ahead, TP’s future expansion plans include driving its growth in India with new sites planned in Indore, Jaipur, and Mohali, along with setting up new operations in one more city – New Raipur, in the coming months.

“India plays a pivotal role in TP’s global growth strategy,” said Anish Mukker, CEO of TP in India. “Our intensified focus on Tier 2 cities underscores our commitment to nurturing talent across the country. We are not just building facilities; we aim to build a future ecosystem that empowers local professionals with the skills and opportunities to thrive in the digital economy. This investment is a win-win as it allows us to access a highly skilled workforce while simultaneously contributing to the economic prosperity of these communities,” he adds