Aakash Ranison on climate action, AMD's investment in India, and JOMOSepiens of Kota are some of the stories that piqued the interest of our readers this week
1) Foodpharmer and the war with FMCGsRevant Himatsingka is different from your average digital content creator—he's not into chasing views or riding the next reel trend. He is on a crusade to educate you about the ingredients you put in your body when you take a sip of a soft drink or bite into a cream biscuit. Better known as Foodpharmer, Himatsingka was first featured in mainstream media when he critiqued Bournvita, made by Mondelez, for its excessive use of sugar. The video quickly went viral and invited a legal notice from the confectionary giant. So why is this 31-year-old finance graduate from NYU Stern School of Business, a Wharton MBA, a former banker, and a self-help book author teaching you to read food labels right? Read more2) JOMOsapiens of KotaKota is known as the cut-throat coaching hub of India. This city in Rajasthan has put millions of kids through India's most reputed engineering and medical colleges by helping them crack the code to study for various entrance exams and putting them through the grind with a rigorous teaching schedule. One might assume that a Kota kid always lives under the pressure of expectations of their parents and society, the tension of securing a future, and the fear of falling behind in that intense race. But a growing pack of students lives for JOMO--the joy of missing out. How are these anomalies thriving in the environment built against them? Here's a look.3) M&M-RBL- Beginning of something new?Last week, Mahindra & Mahindra, the automobile to IT services conglomerate, acquired a 3.53 percent stake in RBL Bank for Rs417 crore. In an exchange filing, the group also mentioned that further investment is possible, subject to pricing, regulatory approvals, and required procedures. However, in no circumstances will it exceed 9.95 percent. RBI's current rules don't allow industrial houses to have a banking licence, but they can hold up to 10 percent stake in banks, with a caveat: Industrial houses cannot be the bank's promoters. Analysts see this M&M investment as a long-term strategic move that might cause a regulatory change. Does this deal hold potential for other banks, say IDBI Bank? Centre and LIC seek to disinvest, and with elections approaching fast, the tides might just turn in favour of private investors. Read more