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Ratnaafin, an NBFC focused on empowering MSMEs and small business owners with customised financial solutions to make their dreams accessible, announces the launch of its new film, celebrating entrepreneurs. Ratnaafin has consistently bridged the credit gap by offering business loans, solar loans, supply chain finance, machinery loans, and more-helping enterprises scale, innovate, and thrive in the Indian business community. From business loans to solar financing, working capital to micro loans against property, Ratnaafin offers tailored products for real business needs and has served over 25,000+ customers across 35 branches in India. Saatchi & Saatchi is the creative partner and ideator behind the campaign’s concept and execution, capturing the grit that defines an Indian entrepreneur’s journey through this film. Watch the film – www.youtube.com/watchv=mIFM9Ywq0Ik The TVC follows the lives of four small business owners across industries-a printing press operator expanding production, a Kirana shopkeeper upgrading his retail operations, a home-based achaar brand reaching wider markets, and a boutique owner growing her brand. As we follow their stories, struggles, and successes, we witness the sheer perseverance that defines the Indian entrepreneur. The campaign gives us a glimpse into the importance of choosing the right financial partner to guarantee the success of an MSME. Whether its upgrading a Kirana store, expanding a home-based achaar business, or elevating a boutique’s brand presence, the right partner makes all the difference. Entrepreneurial success in a dynamic and competitive landscape relies as much on funding as it does on human resilience and grit. Malav Desai, Managing Director & CEO, Ratnaafin, said, “This campaign reflects our core belief – that with the right partner, even the boldest dreams are achievable. ‘Ratnaafin Hai Toh Possible Hai’ goes beyond transactional finance to celebrate the spirit of India’s business owners. At its core, this is about trust, support, and enabling the backbone of our economy – our MSMEs.” Sunay Jain, Head – Marketing and Digital Business at Ratnaafin, proudly added, “Businesses are more than balance sheets. At Ratnaafin, we look deeper-into the midnight oil burned, the risks taken, and the perseverance that MSME owners show every single day. While others may look at paperwork, we see passion. We believe your work speaks louder than your name. That’s the kind of business we back. Because when your kaam is strong, your name builds itself.” Ratnaafin is proud to be recognised as a CRISIL A+ rated, stable, and trusted NBFC with a strong foundation in financial discipline. Entrepreneurial resilience is the centrepiece of this campaign, reinforced by Ratnaafin’s unwavering support-not just as a lender, but as a true partner. Running across digital platforms, social media, and regional television channels, the campaign showcases how every step, every challenge, and every decision is taken together-with confidence, courage, and cooperation. This campaign, as Ratnaafin’s first foray into nationwide brand-building, marks a crucial milestone, with a poignant storyline that goes beyond numbers and touches hearts. It shows that business is more than balance sheets-it’s about showing up every day, being relentless in the face of hardship, and doing whatever it takes to make your dreams possible. That is what Indian entrepreneurs are made of, and that is what Ratnaafin acknowledges. Rohit Malkani, CCO, Saatchi & Saatchi, said, “Jo pai pai se shuru kiya, wo business badhta jayega’ reflects the heart of the film. It’s a message from one business owner to another. It’s not about struggle or success. It’s about belief. Belief that if you keep building and showing up every day, what starts small will grow. That’s the feeling we wanted to leave people with.” About Ratnaafin Ratnaafin is an RBI-registered NBFC dedicated to empowering MSMEs, business owners, and entrepreneurs with accessible and customised financial solutions. The company has consistently bridged the credit gap by offering business loans, solar loans, supply chain finance, machinery loans, and more-helping enterprises scale, innovate, and thrive. Its deep understanding of India’s evolving business landscape makes Ratnaafin the perfect partner in an entrepreneur’s financial journey. A seamless digital interface, speedy approvals, and need-based products tailored to each client are just a few tools in its arsenal. With a strong commitment to fuelling the entrepreneurial fire of India, Ratnaafin uses its expertise and integrity to turn possibility into success. About Saatchi & Saatchi India Saatchi & Saatchi India, part of the Publicis Groupe India, is a full-service communications agency specializing in traditional and digital advertising, branding, design, UI/UX, content and brand consultancy. Saatchi & Saatchi offers its suite of services across clients like Hero MotoCorp, Renault, NIVEA, Standard Chartered Bank, ITC, Dabur, Akasa Air, Jockey, P&G, Zee, Zepto, ITC, Relaxo and many more. Core to the agency’s DNA is a culture of ownership and the belief that ‘Our Clients Business is Our Business’ which keeps clients’ business goals at the heart of everything. The agency has over 350 employees across its offices in Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Bengaluru.

In order to provide prompt assistance to families impacted by the recent airplane tragedy in Ahmedabad, HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, has simplified its claim submission process. A claim can be initiated by nominees/ legal heirs of policyholders by simply providing proof of death issued by the Local Government, Police or Hospitals. In case of queries or any further assistance required, HDFC Life can be reached via the below touch points: Dedicated Claim Helpline: 022-68446529 Dedicated Nodal Officer: +91 9558821980 Call Centre Number: 022-68446530 WhatsApp: +91 8291890569 Email: service@hdfclife.com In case claimants choose to visit any of HDFC Life’s branch offices, they can click the below link for the nearest branch location. HDFC Life’s local branch staff, across all locations, will prioritise on-ground assistance and support for claimants. www.hdfclife.com/contact-us#BranchLocator Sameer Yogishwar – Chief Operating Officer, HDFC Life expressed his thoughts, “We extend our heartfelt condolences to all families who have lost their loved ones in this tragedy. In this hour of sorrow, we are committed to stand by our policyholders and their families. Every query related to this will be treated with utmost priority. We will do our best to support families that have been impacted, by ensuring a smooth and simplified claim process.“

Mars, a global pet care, snacking, and food company with a 100+ year legacy, has partnered with Calm, a leading mental health company, to unveil the largest-ever global survey underscoring the powerful potential of human-animal interaction to enhance wellbeing. Conducted by YouGov, the research* spans 30,000+ pet parents across 20 countries – including in India. Key India & Global Findings: A Powerful Case for Paws and Presence Mental Health Boost: 79% of Indian pet owners say their pet positively impacts their mental wellbeing. Most Preferred companions in times of stress: 57% prefer spending time with their pet when stressed – more than with their partner (37%), family (44%), or friends (38%). Work-Life Reset: 93% say their pet prompts them to take a break from work or chores, with 55% saying this happens daily. Digital Detox: 92% report their pet helps them unplug from screens, while 74% say they spend less time on social media because of their pet. Sleep Support: 79% say their pet improves their sleep – a powerful reminder of the comfort and calm pets bring. Combating Anxiety: 88% Indians say pets help reduce anxiety or overthinking, offering presence without pressure. Social Connectors: 69% pet parents in India say their pet has improved their social life. While the mental health benefits of having pets have been acknowledged before, this global survey offers a deep dive into the many ways pets are helping pet parents – in India and worldwide – cope more effectively with anxiety, work-life stress, disrupted sleep patterns, social media fatigue, and overall emotional wellbeing. What is remarkable is not just the consistency of these findings across markets like the US, UK, Australia, and Germany – but how strongly India stands out. Indian pet parents ranked among the highest globally when it came to screen-time reduction (92% vs. global ~74%), taking regular breaks from work (93% vs 77% global), feeling more relaxed by talking to their pet (82% vs 77% global), and improved sleep quality (79% vs. 55% in the US and 43% in the UK). Furthermore, 88% of Indian pet owners say their pets help reduce overthinking – significantly higher than most Western markets – while 76% Indian pet parents report they feel more present and mindful because of their pets. These standout numbers underscore the unique depth of the human-animal bond in India and its powerful role in enhancing daily wellbeing. Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India, said, “This survey arrives at a defining moment. India, as the rest of the world, is navigating the twin challenges of digital burnout and a growing mental health burden – and what we have found is both moving and urgent. 82% of pet parents surveyed globally say talking to their pet helps them feel more relaxed. 81% pet parents globally feel calmer when their pet settles beside them – a moment of shared peace. 76% of those surveyed say their pet encourages them to stop overthinking while 75% are more likely to go outdoors, and 74% spend less time on social media due to their pet’s influence. These are not just statistics – they reflect a transformative, under-recognized role pets play in our lives.“ Salil added, “At Mars Petcare India, we believe in our purpose: A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS which also means creating stronger, more compassionate communities. Through our work in driving adoptions, raising awareness about pet homelessness, we’re helping shape a more pet-inclusive India. This commitment begins in our own workplace. Our Hyderabad office is designed to welcome pets – and our in-house pet associates, Maya and Milo, are an integral part of our Mars Petcare family. They receive care, nutritious food, and affection from our associates and their families. Their presence brings a unique sense of warmth, happiness, connection, and wellbeing to the workplace – a reflection of the culture we are proud to foster at Mars. As a business deeply rooted in science-backed pet care and purpose-led growth, Mars wants more and more people to adopt and welcome pets in their homes and partner with communities, policymakers, and shelters to build more pet-inclusive environments.” The survey marks the launch of a first-of-its-kind partnership between Mars and Calm which aims to explore and celebrate the deep connection between people and pets as a force for everyday wellbeing. Turning insight into action, Mars and Calm have teamed up to create new content to help support wellbeing while nurturing the bond with your pet. The Mars x Calm content collection is a series of pet-inspired content to help you relax, reflect and recharge. This is Calm’s first collection created just for pet lovers and inspired by the mutual relationship between people and their pets. Greg Justice, Chief Content Officer, Calm said, “Yet another reason to love our pets: the data shows they have a profound impact on mental health. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Mars, the global leader in pet care, to celebrate how pets enhance wellbeing for millions worldwide and to highlight diverse approaches to mental health support. Together, we are helping more people – and their pets – experience the proven benefits of the human-animal bond through real stories, science-backed tools, and supportive content.“ The survey marks the beginning of a long-term global collaboration between Mars and Calm. The new Mars x Calm content collection – now available on the Calm app – includes guided meditations, sleep stories, and mindfulness tools inspired by the human-animal bond. By combining Mars’ deep commitment to pet care with Calm’s leadership in mental wellness, the initiative encourages a shift in how society views pets: not just as part of the family, but as part of our mental wellness toolkit. The research was conducted by YouGov Plc on behalf of Mars. Total sample size was 31299 adults across 20 markets (UK: 2507, Brazil: 2502; Canada: 1347; Germany: 1584; Indonesia: 2510; India: 1001; Mexico: 1567; Malaysia: 1036; Poland: 1349; US: 3748; China: 1054: Belgium: 1084; Australia: 1525; New Zealand: 1066; Spain: 1322; Netherlands: 1074; France: 1526;

In a bold departure from conventional industry recognition, HRKatha, India’s leading HR publication, today announced the launch of the HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards – the country’s first awards programme designed exclusively to celebrate emerging talent in human resources. The groundbreaking initiative challenges the long-held industry belief that leadership recognition should correlate with years of service, instead focussing on impact, innovation, and the potential to reshape India’s HR landscape. “The HR profession has evolved dramatically, and we need recognition platforms that reflect this transformation,” said Prajjal Saha, Founder & Editor of HRKatha. “These awards aren’t about celebrating past achievements – they’re about identifying the leaders who will shape the future of work in India. We’re looking for professionals who think differently, act boldly, and create lasting impact regardless of their years in the industry.” A response to industry transformation The awards programme emerges at a critical juncture for Indian HR. Digital transformation, artificial intelligence integration, and evolving workforce expectations have fundamentally altered the profession’s landscape. Yet traditional recognition systems have remained anchored in outdated paradigms that privilege tenure over innovation. Consider the profound shifts witnessed across Indian organisations: the rise of people analytics transforming decision-making, AI revolutionising talent acquisition processes, employee experience emerging as a strategic discipline, and diversity and inclusion evolving from compliance function to business imperative. These transformations weren’t driven by decades-old playbooks but by professionals willing to challenge conventional wisdom and experiment with new approaches. The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards recognises this reality, celebrating seven distinct categories that represent both current excellence and future potential in HR: HR Tech Innovator: Professionals leveraging technology to solve complex people challenges Talent Acquisition Expert: Those redefining organisational attraction and hiring strategies Diversity & Inclusion Champion: Leaders creating truly inclusive workplaces Employee Experience Architect: Professionals crafting engaging employee journeys Organisational Change Leader: Those navigating transformation with excellence HR Business Partner of the Year: Masters of translating people strategy into business results Emerging HR Leader: Early-career professionals demonstrating exceptional promise ​ Industry veterans champion fresh perspective The programme’s credibility stems from its distinguished jury panel, comprising CEOs and CHROs with over 350 years of combined experience across diverse industries. Their enthusiasm for recognising emerging talent reflects a broader industry acknowledgment that innovation often comes from unexpected places. “Delighted to be part of the HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards with such a stellar panel,” said Sandip Ghose, MD & CEO, Birla Corporation Ltd. “HR has changed in a way we could not have imagined even a few years ago. So, greatly looking forward to the ideas the young trailblazers bring to the table. Sure, it is going to be an enriching experience for the jury as well.” Praveen Purohit, Deputy CHRO, Vedanta Group, echoed this sentiment, “Superb opportunity to showcase best practices and leadership that can inspire many more to rise in time to come. For now, ‘own your rise’! I look forward to seeing some of the motivating entries along with my other jury colleagues.” A stellar jury panel Sandip Ghose (MD & CEO, Birla Corp) Harit Nagpal (CMD, Tata Play) Ramesh Mitragotri (Group Executive President – HR, Aditya Birla Group) Ashwani Prashara (CHRO, Hydrocarbons, Reliance Industries) Saba Adil (CHRO, Edelweiss Life Insurance) Praveen Purohit (Dy CHRO, Vedanta Group) Ayush Gupta (Director – HR, GAIL India) Subir Verma (Executive Director & CHRO – Power Business, RP Sanjiv Goenka Group) Vinay Ranjan (Director HR, Coal India) Rajorshi Ganguli (President & Global CHRO, Alkem Laboratories) Pooja Minocha (CHRO, Bata India) Rupesh Tripathi (Head People, Performance & Culture, KPMG) Defining the Rising Star mindset What distinguishes a rising star from traditional HR professionals According to the programme’s framework, it’s not about having all the answers but asking better questions. It’s not about following established processes but improving them. It’s not about managing people but inspiring them to achieve their potential whilst driving organisational success. Rising stars share distinct characteristics: comfort with ambiguity, embracing technology as an enabler rather than threat, understanding evolving employee needs and adapting accordingly, and measuring success not just in metrics but in meaningful human outcomes. “Rising stars understand that HR is no longer a support function – it’s a strategic differentiator,” explains Saha. “In an economy increasingly driven by talent, knowledge, and innovation, HR professionals hold the keys to organisational success. Rising stars embrace this responsibility and leverage it to drive meaningful change.” Building a community of change-makers Beyond individual recognition, the awards programme aims to build a community of forward-thinking professionals who will collectively shape India’s future of work. Winners won’t merely receive recognition – they’ll join an exclusive network of innovators, change-makers, and visionaries. This community approach addresses a critical industry need. When rising stars connect, collaborate, and share insights, the entire profession benefits. The programme creates a platform for cross-pollination of ideas, peer learning, and collective advancement. Industry impact and expectations As nominations open for the inaugural awards, organisers anticipate discovering transformative stories across Indian organisations. Expected entries include professionals who have transformed recruitment processes using AI, created inclusive cultures in traditionally homogeneous industries, designed employee experiences that rival consumer brands, and led organisational changes that seemed impossible just years ago. The traditional HR career path – starting at entry level and slowly climbing hierarchy over decades – is giving way to a more dynamic model where impact and innovation can accelerate advancement. The HRKatha Rising Star Leadership Awards acknowledges this reality and celebrates those who embody it. A broader industry call The initiative extends beyond recognition to catalyse broader industry conversations. What skills will tomorrow’s HR leaders need How can organisations better prepare emerging talent for future challenges How can the industry create more opportunities for innovation and experimentation “To every HR professional reading this: if you’ve implemented something innovative, if you’ve challenged the status quo, if you’ve created positive change in your organisation or the lives of employees – consider yourself a potential rising star,” urges Saha. “The criteria for these awards isn’t about having the perfect resume or the longest tenure. It’s about

Jana Small Finance Bank (Jana SFB), one of India’s leading small finance banks, is pleased to announce that it has formally submitted an application to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seeking approval to transition into a Universal Bank. This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Jana Bank’s growth journey and reflects its long-term commitment to financial inclusion, innovation, and sustainable banking. Over the past several years, Jana SFB has successfully built a strong retail and MSME franchise, expanded its digital and physical footprint across the country, and consistently delivered on key financial and governance metrics. “Applying for a Universal Banking license is a natural progression for Jana Bank,” said Ajay Kanwal, Managing Director & CEO, Jana Small Finance Bank. “Our mission has always been to serve the underserved and build a bank that’s inclusive, agile, digital and forward-looking. Becoming a Universal Bank will enable us to offer a broader range of services and become the Anchor Bank to a Rising and Atmanirbhar India.” Since receiving its SFB license in 2017, Jana has built a robust portfolio in deposits, loans, and financial services tailored to individuals, MSMEs, and institutions. With a growing deposit base, national presence, digital services and a strong asset quality track record, the bank believes it is well-positioned to take the next step in its evolution. Jana SFB reaffirms its unwavering commitment to governance, compliance, customer-centricity, and innovation as it embarks on this next phase. About Jana Small Finance Bank Jana Small Finance Bank, a scheduled commercial bank, is the 4th largest Small Finance Bank in India with an experience of over 18 years in lending and serving more than 12 million customers. The Bank, launched as an SFB in March 2018, is a solid combination of a digital institution and national presence across 23 states and 2 union territories, spread across 802 branches. From its origin of being a NBFC-MFI, the Bank has transformed steadily over the years, leading to 70% of its lending book being secured, mostly backed by mortgages. The Bank has created a fast growing retail deposit franchise with a strong brand presence and high standards of customer service. The Banks management team has an average experience of 27 years with a reputed and experienced Board. For more details, please visit – www.janabank.com.