Avenir Investment Acquires Controlling Stake in Sammaan Capital After ₹8,849 Crore Deal Gets Full Regulatory Nod

Sammaan Capital Limited (formerly Indiabulls Housing Finance) has received all necessary regulatory approvals for its proposed preferential issue of equity shares and warrants to Avenir Investment RSC Ltd, a firm owned and controlled by International Holding Company PJSC. The transaction marks a significant strategic shift, with Avenir set to acquire a controlling stake in the company.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved applications related to the indirect change of control of Sammaan Asset Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sammaan Capital, under both Portfolio Managers and Alternative Investment Funds regulations.

This follows prior clearances from shareholders, lenders, stock exchanges, the Competition Commission of India, and the Reserve Bank of India. With SEBI’s nod, the company is now poised to conclude the transaction, which is governed by a share subscription agreement dated October 2, 2025.

Avenir plans to invest approximately ₹8,849.99 crore through the preferential issue. Post-transaction, it will hold around 41.2% of Sammaan Capital’s paid-up equity share capital. If the open offer sees full uptake, this stake could rise to 63.3%.

The company has formally notified the BSE, NSE, India International Exchange (IFSC) Ltd, and NSE IFSC Limited, reaffirming its commitment to regulatory transparency and shareholder communication.Sammaan Capital Secures All Regulatory Approvals for ₹8,849 Crore Investment by Avenir Investment RSC

Sammaan Capital Limited (formerly Indiabulls Housing Finance) has received all necessary regulatory approvals for its proposed preferential issue of equity shares and warrants to Avenir Investment RSC Ltd, a firm owned and controlled by International Holding Company PJSC. The transaction marks a significant strategic shift, with Avenir set to acquire a controlling stake in the company.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved applications related to the indirect change of control of Sammaan Asset Management Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sammaan Capital, under both Portfolio Managers and Alternative Investment Funds regulations.

This follows prior clearances from shareholders, lenders, stock exchanges, the Competition Commission of India, and the Reserve Bank of India. With SEBI’s nod, the company is now poised to conclude the transaction, which is governed by a share subscription agreement dated October 2, 2025.

Avenir plans to invest approximately ₹8,849.99 crore through the preferential issue. Post-transaction, it will hold around 41.2% of Sammaan Capital’s paid-up equity share capital. If the open offer sees full uptake, this stake could rise to 63.3%.

The company has formally notified the BSE, NSE, India International Exchange (IFSC) Ltd, and NSE IFSC Limited, reaffirming its commitment to regulatory transparency and shareholder communication.

How To Talk To Children About War: Indian Mental Health Experts On Navigating The Iran-US-Israel Crisis

The ongoing tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States have dominated global news cycles in recent weeks. Although the conflict is geographically distant from India, today's always-connected digital world means that children are frequently exposed to war-related news through television, social media, school discussions and conversations among adults. Psychologists warn that repeated exposure to distressing news images and discussions about conflict can influence children's emotional health. Younger children may feel confused or frightened, while adolescents may experience anxiety, anger or a sense of helplessness. According to the World Health Organization, exposure to traumatic or violent content, especially without proper explanation, can increase stress responses in children and adolescents.

For parents, the challenge lies in addressing these global events honestly while protecting their children's sense of safety. Experts say avoiding the topic entirely may not work, because children often sense when something serious is happening around them.

Indian paediatric and mental health specialists say that thoughtful conversations, reassurance and responsible media exposure can help children understand global conflicts without becoming overwhelmed. Here's how parents can navigate these difficult discussions.

Children Process Conflict Differently

Children's reactions to war-related news can vary widely depending on their age, personality and what they hear from adults around them. Dr. Sujatha Thyagarajan, Lead and Head of Pediatric Intensive Care and Pediatric Emergency at Aster Women & Children Hospital, Whitefield, Bengaluru, explains that children's emotional responses can take many forms. "Children may have variable emotions and responses about the war or traumatic events, in general. Emotions may vary based on age, the narratives of adult conversations, the graphic contents visualised in media and could be in the form of anxiety, curiosity, fear and sleep disturbances," she says.

She also notes that children may begin consuming more news if adults around them constantly follow updates. "They may get hooked on to the media based on the adults in the household," she adds. According to the UNICEF, children exposed to distressing news may experience emotional reactions such as fear, sadness or confusion. In younger children, stress may manifest through clinginess or sleep problems, while teenagers may show irritability or withdrawal.

Start With What Children Already Know

Mental health experts say that the first step is to understand what a child has already heard. Dr. Naveen Kumar Dhagudu, Senior Consultant Psychiatrist at Yashoda Hospitals, Hyderabad, advises parents to initiate calm conversations rather than avoid the topic altogether. "Parents should check in with their children and create space for calm, age-appropriate discussions. Many adults assume that avoiding difficult topics protects children. In reality, children often sense that something serious is happening," he says.

Children may hear about conflicts in different regions, from Ukraine and Gaza to Iran or Sudan, through social media or peers. Asking them what they already know helps parents correct misinformation and understand their emotional reactions. The American Psychological Association recommends open dialogue as a key strategy for helping children process distressing news. Listening first allows parents to respond to fears without overwhelming children with unnecessary information.

Share Facts, But Avoid Graphic Details

When discussing global conflicts, experts recommend providing simple and honest explanations without exposing children to disturbing details. Dr. Dhagudu explains that younger children only need a basic understanding of the situation. "Younger children may only need to understand that sometimes countries disagree and conflicts happen, but many people are working to restore peace," he says.

Older children, especially teenagers, may have deeper questions after encountering news reports online. In such cases, honest answers can help build trust while reducing confusion. Research supported by the U.S. National Institutes of Health shows that clear, developmentally appropriate communication helps children cope better with stressful information.

Limit Exposure To Distressing News

Constant exposure to news updates can intensify anxiety in children. Dr. Thyagarajan recommends limiting access to graphic content. "Limitation to graphic contents, mindful adult conversations and timely reassurance as well as seeking professional help as required will go a long way in navigating conversations with children about traumatic events," she says.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also advises parents to monitor media consumption during stressful events, as repeated viewing of distressing content can amplify emotional distress. Parents can encourage children to focus on school activities, hobbies and outdoor play rather than continuous news consumption.

Watch For Signs Of Stress

Children often express emotional distress through physical or behavioural changes.

Dr. Dhagudu says parents should be alert to symptoms such as:

• Sleep disturbances
• Headaches or stomach aches
• Increased irritability
• Withdrawal from family or friends
• Clinginess in younger children

"In such situations, reassurance and supportive routines can help restore a sense of security," he explains. Maintaining predictable daily routines, such as regular meals, study time and bedtime, can help children feel safe during uncertain times.

Use The Conversation To Build Empathy

Experts also emphasise that discussions about global conflicts can become opportunities to teach compassion. Instead of portraying any nation or group as inherently "bad", parents can highlight the humanitarian perspective, focusing on civilians affected by war and the work of relief organisations helping those in crisis. Such conversations can encourage children to think critically about global issues while reinforcing values like empathy and kindness.

In an era where global events unfold instantly across screens, children are inevitably exposed to news about wars and geopolitical tensions, even those far from home. While such exposure can trigger anxiety or confusion, experts say supportive conversations within families can make a powerful difference. By listening patiently, offering age-appropriate explanations, limiting distressing media exposure and maintaining reassuring routines, parents can help children understand world events without feeling overwhelmed.

Ultimately, children take emotional cues from the adults around them. When parents remain calm, honest and empathetic, they help build resilience, allowing children to navigate difficult global realities with confidence and emotional security.

India’s Coal Backbone Holds Firm Amid Global Gas Disruptions

India’s energy ecosystem is witnessing early signs of stress amid ongoing geopolitical disruptions in West Asia, even as the government maintains that the country remains well-prepared to manage the situation. The ongoing conflict in the region has significantly impacted global supply chains, particularly energy flows through critical routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, which carries a large share of India’s crude oil, gas, and fertiliser imports. Addressing the Parliament on March 23, Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi described the situation as “concerning” and acknowledged its adverse impact on the global economy and daily life, while assuring that India is taking proactive steps to safeguard energy security.

Industrial clusters across India are already experiencing localized stress, with shortages and disruptions in CNG and LPG supply pushing businesses to explore alternative fuels, including coal. India imports nearly 45–50% of its natural gas requirement as LNG, making industrial gas consumers highly sensitive to global supply disruptions and shipping route uncertainties. This shift is further reinforced by constrained LNG supplies and rising global uncertainties. At the same time, the government has highlighted that India has significantly strengthened its energy resilience over the past decade through diversification of import sources, expansion of strategic reserves, and improved supply chain preparedness.

Gas-based power capacity in India remains underutilised at below 25% PLF, as coal and renewables continue to dominate the generation mix. While the power sector remains relatively insulated, owing to its strong reliance on coal and renewables, the industrial sector continues to feel the pressure of gas shortages. In this context, coal has emerged as a critical fallback option, reinforcing its role as the backbone of India’s energy security.

India’s overall coal demand has been rising steadily, with annual consumption crossing 1.25 billion tonnes, driven primarily by the power sector, cement, sponge iron, and captive industrial users. Early signals from coal markets indicate tightening demand–supply dynamics. Coal India’s e-auction premiums have risen to around 35% over notified prices in February 2026, reflecting increased urgency among buyers to secure supply. This marks a shift from softer demand trends earlier in the fiscal year. The demand uptick is being driven by multiple factors, including substitution from gas amid LNG disruptions, seasonal ramp-up in power demand, and reduced imports leading to greater reliance on domestic coal. However, coal’s substitution potential remains largely limited to the power sector in the short-to-medium term. Structural and technological constraints continue to restrict its widespread adoption in industrial applications such as fertilisers and chemicals.

Commenting on the evolving scenario, Mr. Vinaya Varma, MD & CEO, mjunction services limited stated, “What we are witnessing is an early but clear behavioural shift in fuel consumption patterns. As LNG availability tightens and CNG/LPG supplies face disruption in several industrial clusters, buyers are increasingly turning to coal to secure operational continuity. The rise in e-auction premiums and improved offtake reflects this urgency. Coal will continue to play a critical role in ensuring India’s energy security, especially in times of global uncertainty. While we are witnessing localized tightening in demand and firming of prices, the overall market remains balanced due to strong domestic availability and adequate stock levels.”

Importantly, the situation remains measured rather than overheated. Only about 47% of auction volumes have been sold so far this year, and current premiums remain below historical peaks, indicating controlled but firming demand. Current coal stock levels at power plants remain comfortable at 18–20 days of consumption, preventing panic buying despite tightening spot demand signals in auction markets. Overall, while India is not facing an immediate energy crisis, evolving global disruptions are beginning to test the system.

About mjunction:

mjunction services limited, a 50:50 joint venture between Tata Steel and SAIL, is India’s largest B2B e-commerce company, leveraging technology to create value across industries for over two decades. Founded in 2001 with the launch of its pioneering metaljunction platform to bring transparency and efficiency to steel sales, mjunction has since diversified into multiple sectors, offering a comprehensive portfolio that includes e-auctions, e-procurement, loyalty solutions, e-marketplaces, agri-commodities, financing, and specialized services. With innovative offerings like mjGRO for loyalty management, mjunction serves over 140 marquee clients in both public and private sectors. With a strong focus on innovation, transparency, and customer success, mjunction continues to drive digital transformation in B2B commerce, enabling businesses to trade and procure with greater efficiency, scale, and trust.

India’s First Gaming Incubator LVL Zero Receives 240+ Startup Applications

LVL Zero, India’s first-of-its-kind gaming incubator backed by MIXI Global Investments, Nazara Technologies, and Chimera VC, today announced that it has received more than 240 applications for its inaugural cohort, offering a unique snapshot of India’s emerging early-stage gaming startup ecosystem.

The applications span a diverse range of game studios and gaming ecosystem startups, reflecting a new wave of micro-studio formation, growing platform ambition, and a shift toward globally competitive product thinking among Indian founders. The cohort, which opened applications on January 26, attracted teams building across mobile, PC, console, and gaming infrastructure products.

A significant trend emerging from the applicant pool is the formation of small, early-stage studios, with nearly 46.9% of applicants founded in 2025 and 66.8% established in 2024 or later, highlighting a recent surge of new teams entering the industry. The majority of applicants are micro-teams with a median team size of three to four members, signalling a new generation of founders leveraging modern development tools, engines, and AI to build products with smaller teams.

From a development stage perspective, nearly half of the applicants (46.9%) are currently at the prototype stage, while 19.5% are in alpha, 11.2% in beta, and 11.6% already have live products in the market. This reflects a strong early-stage pipeline where founders are experimenting with ideas and beginning to translate prototypes into scalable products.

PC and Console Ambition on the Rise

The application data also highlights a clear trend toward premium platform ambitions among Indian studios. Around 58.5% of applicants are building for PC, while 36.1% are targeting console platforms, indicating a growing push toward higher-production-value titles alongside mobile gaming.

However, the data also reveals a practical reality: mobile-first studios continue to demonstrate higher shipping velocity, with approximately 25% of mobile-only teams already having live products, compared to significantly lower live rates among PC and console-focused teams. This reflects the faster iteration cycles and monetisation pathways available on mobile platforms.

Live-Service and Data-Driven Design Becoming Core

Even among early-stage teams, the applications show that founders are increasingly designing games with retention, analytics, and live-operations frameworks in mind. Over 30% of applicants referenced live-ops systems, retention metrics, or user acquisition strategies, signalling a shift in how Indian founders approach product architecture from the earliest stages.

Rather than building a game first and optimising later, many startups are embedding monetisation, engagement loops, and player analytics into the product design process itself.

AI Integration Becoming Standard Practice

The applicant pool also demonstrates early and widespread adoption of AI technologies within game development pipelines. Approximately 22.8% of applicants referenced AI, machine learning, or generative systems within their products or infrastructure stacks.

Among gaming infrastructure startups specifically, roughly half referenced AI-driven solutions, focusing on areas such as player analytics, personalisation, growth automation, and retention modelling. This suggests that many early-stage Indian founders view AI as a competitive advantage in building scalable gaming products.

Cultural IP Emerging as a Global Opportunity

Another notable trend is the rise of games inspired by Indian mythology, folklore, and cultural narratives. About 36% of applications referenced Indian themes or cultural storytelling, with the majority of these projects targeting PC and console platforms rather than mobile.

This indicates a growing ambition among developers to create premium narrative-driven experiences rooted in Indian culture, aimed at global audiences rather than purely local markets.

Emerging Gaming Startup Hubs Across India

The applications also highlight the geographic spread of India’s gaming startup ecosystem. The top applicant cities include Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Pune, Chennai, and Delhi NCR, together accounting for nearly half of the applicant pool.

Among live products, the highest concentration of teams comes from Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, reflecting the presence of established gaming talent pools and industry infrastructure in these regions.

Commenting on the application trends, Sagar Nair, Head of Incubation at LVL Zero, said: “What the applicant pool shows clearly is that India’s gaming ecosystem is entering a new formation phase. We are seeing a surge of small, ambitious studios building across multiple platforms, experimenting with new technologies, and thinking about global audiences from day one. The challenge now is not creativity or ambition, it is execution. The next generation of Indian studios will be defined by how effectively they convert strong prototypes into scalable products, and that is exactly the gap LVL Zero is designed to address.”

LVL Zero’s inaugural cohort will select 10 startups, each receiving an equity-free grant of USD 10,000, along with access to a 100-day execution-first sprint designed to accelerate product development, validation, and market readiness. Through structured milestones, mentorship, and ecosystem support, the program aims to help founders move from early-stage prototypes to playable, market-ready products while preparing them for publisher partnerships, global distribution, and investor engagement.

Over the next five years, LVL Zero aims to support more than 100 gaming and interactive startups, strengthening India’s position as one of the most promising emerging hubs for global game development.

About LVL Zero:

LVL Zero is a first-of-its-kind gaming incubator created by ChimeraVC in partnership with MIXI Global Investments and Nazara Technologies. Announced in 2025 and headquartered in Bangalore, LVL Zero supports early-stage gaming startups across games, platforms, and game tech through an equity-free grant pool of USD 100,000, hands-on mentorship, and access to publishing, distribution, and investor networks. Each cohort selects 10 startups, each receiving USD 10,000 to accelerate product development over a 100-day execution-first sprint. Focused exclusively on the gaming ecosystem, LVL Zero aims to empower over 100 startups in the next five years and build a pipeline of Indian gaming founders ready to launch globally competitive products.

About MIXI Global Investments, Inc.:

MIXI Global Investments (MGI) is the corporate venture capital arm of MIXI, Inc., based in Tokyo and known for its popular mobile game IPs and community-focused live operations. It brings global expertise and networks to help Indian startups engage with international markets and partners.

About Nazara Technologies:

Nazara Technologies is India’s only publicly listed gaming company. Its key businesses include Blue Tile, Curve Games, Kiddopia, Animal Jam, Fusebox Games (Love Island, Big Brother, Bigg Boss), World Cricket Championship and Sportskeeda, along with offline gaming businesses such as Funky Monkeys and Smaaash Entertainment. Nazara also operates Datawrkz, a digital ad tech business. With presence in India, North America, Europe and other global markets, Nazara is building a global gaming platform with strong IP, publishing, and operating capabilities. Website: https://www.nazara.com/

About Chimera VC:

ChimeraVC is an early-stage venture capital firm focused on India’s gaming and interactive entertainment ecosystem. As a first-check investor, Chimera backs founders building in gaming, tools, and infrastructure, while providing strategic support through its deep industry network and ecosystem-led initiatives.

MTandT Rentals Raises ₹100 Cr from ValueQuest for Equipment Rental Expansion

MTandT Rentals Limited ("MRL"), a leading provider of aerial work platforms and ground protection access solutions in India, announced an investment of INR 100 Crore from ValueQuest S.C.A.L.E. Fund II. The investment will support MRL's next phase of growth and expansion across India.

Pushkar Jauhari, MD and Fund Manager ValueQuest

Enabling Safer and More Efficient Work at Height

Headquartered in Chennai, MRL has established itself as a leading provider of specialized equipment solutions for infrastructure, industrial and construction sectors through its rental and sales offerings, including:

• Aerial Work Platforms including boom lifts, scissor lifts and spider lifts
• Ground protection access solutions such as PortaDeck composite mats
• End-to-end services including equipment maintenance, operator training and technical support

Strategic Deployment of Capital

The investment from ValueQuest S.C.A.L.E. Fund II will be utilized to expand MRL's equipment fleet and strengthen its presence. This will enable the company to service large and complex projects with higher asset utilization, faster turnaround times, and enhanced operational efficiency.

MRL is well-positioned to benefit from increasing demand across sectors such as airports, renewable energy, semiconductors, metro rail, data centers, warehousing, and large industrial facilities, where safety and execution speed are critical.

Rakesh Modi, Chairman, MRL, remarked: “We are delighted to partner with ValueQuest as MRL enters its next phase of growth. This investment will enable us to expand our fleet, enhance service capabilities, and strengthen our position as a trusted partner for safety and productivity in infrastructure and industrial projects. We would also like to thank Systematix Corporate Services Limited and Invicta Capserv Private Limited for their guidance and support in successfully advising us on this transaction.”

Pushkar Jauhari, Managing Director and Fund Manager, ValueQuest Private Equity, added: “MRL provides aerial work platforms (“AWP”) which are enabling faster turnaround times with enhanced worker safety for our major infrastructure and industrial projects. They have time tested client relationships with established business houses and have built a strong reputation in India's equipment rental industry through its focus on safety, reliability and customer-centricity. India is starting from a low base on AWPs and we are excited to support the company in scaling its operations and capturing the significant growth opportunity in this sector.”

Systematix Corporate Services Limited and Invicta Capserv Private Limited jointly acted as the financial advisors to MRL on this transaction.

About ValueQuest

Founded in 2010, ValueQuest Investment Advisors Pvt. Ltd. ("ValueQuest") is a Mumbai-based investment management firm known for its disciplined, research-driven approach to public and private markets. Over the past 15 years, ValueQuest has built a reputation for deep fundamental research, long-term value creation, and an unwavering commitment to its #InvestorsFirst philosophy. With a focus on identifying quality businesses and partnering in their growth journeys, ValueQuest continues to be one of India's most respected and trusted investment managers. The ValueQuest Group manages AUM of ~USD 2.8 billion. Their private equity funds are housed under the entity "Quest4Value Investment Managers LLP" with AUM over USD 650 million.

About MRL

MRL is a leading provider of specialized equipment solutions for infrastructure, industrial, and construction sectors in India, with a strong focus on safety, reliability and operational efficiency. The company offers Aerial Work Platforms including boom lifts, scissor lifts and spider lifts, along with ground protection access solutions such as PortaDeck composite mats through both Rental and Product Sales models. MRL has demonstrated a strong growth trajectory, recording a CAGR of over 48% during FY21–FY25.

Disclaimer: https://valuequest.in/ValueQuest-S-C-A-L-E-Fund-II.html