Artificial intelligence is rapidly redefining how modern energy products are conceived, developed, and deployed. As climate targets become more urgent and infrastructure systems grow more complex, AI has emerged not just as an optimization tool but as the core driver of innovation. From real-time field service to decentralized grid orchestration, intelligent products are enabling more resilient, efficient, and inclusive energy systems.
Kiran Kalyanaraman is a recognized expert in AI-driven product management within the energy sector. With a background that spans machine learning, grid modernization, and enterprise platforms, he has built a career developing and scaling intelligent products that sit at the convergence of data, infrastructure, and user impact. His portfolio includes predictive analytics for smart grids, dynamic technician routing, and full-lifecycle product ownership of AI-powered solutions each designed for seamless integration, scalability, and customer-centric performance. Kiran Kalyanaraman quotes &ldquo;AI is not the product; it&rsquo;s the engine. The real value comes from designing scalable, customer-centric systems where AI is seamlessly embedded into decision-making and operations.&rdquo;
In one enterprise deployment, Kiran addressed the long-standing problem of technician dispatch inefficiency. By designing a machine learning&ndash;based routing engine that factored in traffic, job complexity, and technician specialization, the system helped reduce commute times, cut emissions, and improved on-time response metrics. Drawing on themes from his publication Building AI-Driven Energy Products: From Ideation to Scale, the solution was not just a tool but it was a scalable platform with business, environmental, and customer-facing outcomes.
Kiran&rsquo;s influence extends into grid intelligence. In his article AI and Machine Learning for Smart Grids: Enhancing Reliability and Demand Response, he explored how predictive models can optimize grid stability during unpredictable demand cycles. His real-world implementations reflect those insights developing demand forecasting products that integrate real-time usage data with weather models to balance load in complex urban environments. These tools have helped reduce reliance on reserve generation, lower operational costs, and preempt system outages.
The product vision behind these solutions draws from a broader strategy mindset. In AI-Powered Product Strategy: Case Studies from Tech Startups in India and Africa, Kiran co-authored a framework demonstrating how resource-limited regions can still leverage AI for high-impact outcomes. He applied that thinking to lean deployments in underfunded municipalities, where adaptive AI tools helped optimize water pump energy usage and basic load balancing proving that intelligent design isn&rsquo;t reserved for high-budget contexts. Kalyanaraman states &ldquo;True energy innovation doesn&rsquo;t stop at efficiency; it extends to accessibility, adaptability, and equity. AI must serve communities, not just infrastructure.&rdquo; 
Training and workforce enablement remain a consistent focus. In his article Training Programs for the Green Energy Workforce: Bridging the Skills Gap, Kiran outlines how AI literacy must extend beyond engineers to include field staff, planners, and policymakers. He has designed internal training programs that combine data literacy, ethical decision-making, and platform fluency ensuring cross-functional teams can not only adopt AI tools but challenge them when needed.
Urban optimization is another domain where Kiran&rsquo;s research and product work intersect. His publication The Role of Smart Cities in Promoting Energy Efficiency examined how AI and IoT integration can reduce municipal energy waste through traffic flow modeling and adaptive building systems. He later applied these principles to a federated learning platform that allowed buildings to train energy models locally, reducing privacy risks while still gaining the benefits of shared optimization.

In his recent scoping review on The Role of Organic Solar Cells in the US Energy Transition, Kiran analyzed over 80 peer-reviewed studies, field trials, and government reports to evaluate OSCs' potential to complement traditional silicon solar. The work outlines how innovations in tandem cells and transparent PV films could democratize solar adoption particularly through equity-focused deployments in affordable housing, schools, and community centers. It further calls attention to regulatory and bankability gaps, and recommends targeted policy support to scale OSC manufacturing and standards nationwide.
Kiran&rsquo;s collective work paints a picture of what the future of energy could look like decentralized, data-informed, and designed for people. Whether leading AI products that support real-time grid control or advocating for energy equity through new solar technologies, he brings a rare combination of systems thinking, technical depth, and user empathy. He enumerates &ldquo;As AI becomes more autonomous, the product manager becomes the ethical anchor ensuring the technology remains explainable, inclusive, and aligned with real-world needs.&rdquo;&nbsp;

Expert Take on leading AI-Driven Product Innovation in the Energy Sector 

In a defining moment for women-led spiritual entrepreneurship in India, Padma Shri Hema Malini unveiled Fearless &amp; Feminine, a deeply moving book co-authored by Harpreet Kaur, Abhishek K Madan, and 27 extraordinary women from The Occult Academy community. The book launch took place during the Soulful Business Retreat 2025, a transformative event that brought together over 100 participants from India and overseas.
A Book That Reflects the Soul of a Movement
Fearless &amp; Feminine is more than a collection of success stories-it&rsquo;s a bold statement about the rising force of spiritually awakened women reclaiming their voice, purpose, and power. Each chapter captures a different journey: from silence to self-expression, struggle to strategy, and confusion to clarity. These stories are lived experiences of women who once doubted themselves but found new direction and identity through their spiritual calling.
The book offers practical inspiration to readers from all walks of life-whether they&rsquo;re professionals, homemakers, or dreamers looking to realign their lives. It is a testament to the idea that healing is not just emotional-it can be professional, financial, and social too.
Hema Malini Ji: A Legacy Supporting a Revolution
The launch was graced by the iconic actress and spiritual patron, Padma Shri Hema Malini, who also contributed the book&rsquo;s foreword. Her words deeply moved the audience:
&ldquo;When women support each other through wisdom and mentorship, nations change. This book is a shining light for what is possible when knowledge meets intention. Harpreet and Abhishek are doing remarkable work in transforming lives.&rdquo;
Her presence was not just ceremonial-it was symbolic of a bridge between tradition, spirituality, and modern feminine power.
Harpreet &amp; Abhishek: Visionaries Redefining Occult Coaching
This movement was made possible by Harpreet Kaur, celebrated as India&rsquo;s Best Tarot Coach three years in a row, and Abhishek K Madan, India&rsquo;s leading Numerology and Vastu Coach, who together have created a ₹5 crore+ coaching brand within just 3 years. Through The Occult Academy, founded in 2020, they&rsquo;ve impacted over 50,000 students globally, with over 5,500 transforming their passion into profession.
Their vision is clear-to make spiritual sciences accessible, professional, and profitable, especially for women who seek both meaning and momentum in their careers.
Collective Courage: A Tapestry of Change
The voices in Fearless &amp; Feminine form a chorus of resilience. Many women started from pain-divorces, identity loss, financial hardship-and emerged as mentors, healers, and businesswomen. The book offers a rare blend of emotional honesty and strategic breakthroughs. It&rsquo;s not just motivational-it&rsquo;s a practical map toward growth, guided by mentorship, community, and deep inner work.
A Quiet Jewel: The Divine Whispers Deck
Also launched during the retreat was the Divine Whispers Affirmation Deck-a 54-card oracle deck inspired by Indian scriptures. It offers gentle, daily guidance rooted in ancient wisdom and was received with love by the community for its spiritual elegance.
An Invitation to Every Woman Who&rsquo;s Ready
Whether you&rsquo;re stuck in self-doubt or rising toward a purpose-led path, Fearless &amp; Feminine invites you to read, reflect, and rise. This isn&rsquo;t just a book-it&rsquo;s a movement in motion. And every woman, somewhere, belongs to it.

Hema Malini Launches ‘Fearless & Feminine’ with Harpreet and Abhishek at SBR 2025 in Mumbai

A loan against mutual funds is a form of secured lending that allows you to access short-term liquidity without redeeming your mutual fund investments. It is becoming an increasingly popular choice for investors who want to meet urgent financial requirements while keeping their long-term investment goals intact. Here are five important aspects you should know before considering a loan against mutual funds.
1. Understanding how a loan against mutual funds works
A loan against mutual funds operates much like a loan against shares or fixed deposits. When you apply for this facility, your mutual fund units are pledged as collateral in favour of the lender. In return, the financial institution disburses a loan amount, usually as a fixed percentage of the Net Asset Value (NAV) of the pledged units.
This arrangement allows you to raise funds without liquidating your investment. Your portfolio continues to earn returns while being used as a security for the loan. However, you lose access to redeem or switch the pledged units until the loan is repaid in full.
2. The types of mutual fund units accepted as collateral
Not all mutual funds are eligible for pledging. Lenders typically accept:

Equity mutual funds &ndash; Though more volatile, they are commonly pledged due to their popularity.
Debt mutual funds &ndash; These are considered relatively stable and are preferred by some lenders.
Hybrid mutual funds &ndash; Only specific types of hybrid funds are eligible, depending on their asset allocation.

The final list of acceptable funds may vary across lending institutions. Generally, schemes from AMCs registered with SEBI and listed on recognised depositories like NSDL or CDSL are accepted.
Additionally, the fund must be held in demat form. Mutual fund units in physical format or those not registered with the appropriate depository are not eligible for this facility.
3. Loan against mutual funds interest rate and charges
The loan against mutual funds interest rate varies by lender and the type of funds pledged. Typically, the interest rates fall within the range of 9&#37 to 12.5&#37 per annum. Loans secured against debt mutual funds may attract lower rates than those against equity mutual funds due to lower market volatility.
Some key cost components to be aware of include:

Interest rate: Charged either on a monthly reducing balance or daily usage, depending on the lender&rsquo;s terms.
Processing fees: Usually around 25&#37 to 1&#37 of the sanctioned amount, with a minimum threshold.
Pledge charges: Custodians and depositories like NSDL/CDSL may levy a fee for pledging and unpledging units.
Penal charges: Late EMI payments or failure to maintain margin requirements can invite penalty interest.

Since the loan against mutual funds interest rate directly impacts your total borrowing cost, it is advisable to compare multiple lenders and evaluate their terms before availing of the facility.
4. Loan limits, tenure, and margin requirements
The sanctioned loan amount is determined based on the value of the pledged mutual fund units and the lender's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio policy. Generally:

LTV ratio: Can range from 50&#37 to 70&#37 of the current NAV.
Minimum loan amount: Often starts from ₹25,000 or ₹50,000.
Maximum loan amount: Can go up to ₹5 crore or more for high-net-worth individuals.
Loan tenure: Ranges from one month to three years, depending on the lender.

Lenders may also impose a margin maintenance requirement. If the NAV of the pledged mutual funds falls sharply, the borrower may need to top up the collateral or repay a part of the loan to maintain the margin. Failure to do so may result in the lender invoking the pledged units to recover the dues.
5. Key benefits and considerations before applying
A loan against mutual funds offers multiple advantages, particularly for investors with a long-term horizon. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Benefits

No need to redeem investments: Your portfolio continues to grow as per market conditions while serving as collateral.
Quick disbursal: Once your mutual fund units are pledged, loans are often sanctioned and credited within 24&ndash;48 hours.
Lower interest cost: Compared to personal loans or credit card borrowing, a loan against mutual funds generally has a lower interest burden.
Flexible usage: The loan can be used for any personal or professional financial need without end-use restrictions.
Overdraft option: Some lenders offer an overdraft facility against mutual funds, enabling you to pay interest only on the utilised amount.

Considerations

Market risk: NAV fluctuations can impact the loan value and may lead to margin calls.
Eligibility limitations: Not all mutual funds are accepted, and units must be held in dematerialised format.
Loss of liquidity: Pledged units cannot be switched, redeemed, or used for other purposes.
Pledge revocation: If repayment obligations are not met, the lender can sell your mutual fund units to recover dues.

Who should consider a loan against mutual funds?
A loan against mutual funds is suitable for:

Salaried professionals and business owners needing temporary cash flow support
Investors seeking emergency liquidity without exiting the market
Individuals with long-term investment goals who do not want to disturb compounding
Borrowers who want to avoid higher-interest personal loans or credit card debt

However, it may not be ideal for those with highly volatile equity portfolios or individuals with irregular repayment capacity. In such cases, the risk of forced liquidation or margin calls increases.
How to apply for a loan against mutual funds
Applying for a loan against mutual funds is relatively simple. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Check eligibility: Confirm if your mutual fund units are accepted and are held in demat form.
Choose a lender: Compare interest rates, tenure, LTV ratio, and processing fees across banks and NBFCs.
Online or offline application: Fill out the application form and provide KYC documents.
Pledge units: Authorise the pledge of units via NSDL/CDSL using your demat credentials.
Loan disbursal: Once the pledge is approved, the loan amount is credited to your bank account.

Some banks and brokers offer fully digital journeys for LAS (Loan Against Securities) including e-signature and digital pledge confirmation.
Conclusion
A loan against mutual funds is a flexible and efficient financing option for investors who require short-term liquidity without disturbing their long-term wealth creation journey. By pledging existing investments instead of redeeming them, you can meet urgent financial needs while allowing your funds to continue earning returns.
However, it is crucial to evaluate the loan against mutual funds interest rate, margin requirements, and risks related to market volatility before proceeding. This facility is most effective when used with financial discipline and a clear repayment plan. For investors with stable mutual fund portfolios and a need for immediate funds, this form of secured borrowing can serve as a practical and cost-effective alternative to traditional personal loans.

5 Things to Know About Loans Against Mutual Fund Investments

A term plan is one of the simplest ways to protect your loved ones. It offers financial help if something unexpected happens to the person who buys it. You pay a small amount regularly, and in return, your family gets a large sum of money if you are not around. This type of life insurance does not offer any money back if you stay healthy and live long. But it is still very useful because it gives peace of mind. A term plan is not only easy to understand, but it also comes with helpful features that give full protection.
In this post, we will explain the top features that make a term plan stand out. These features help you understand how this plan works and why it can be a smart choice for your family&rsquo;s safety.
1. High Coverage at a Low Cost
One big reason people prefer a term plan is that it gives a large amount of money for a small price. This is called the "sum assured." It means your family gets a big payout if something happens to you. You don&rsquo;t have to spend too much money every year. That&rsquo;s why many young people and families with limited savings prefer to buy a term plan.
2. Simple to Understand
A term plan is very easy to understand. You buy it for a set number of years. If something happens to you during that time, your family gets the money. If you live through the term, nothing is paid. That&rsquo;s it. There are no confusing rules or hard words. It&rsquo;s just basic life insurance that works clearly and quickly.
3. Flexible Policy Term and Payout Options
You can choose how long you want the term plan to last. It could be 10 years, 20 years, 30 years, or even more. You can also choose how your family will get the money-either in one go or in parts over time. This helps them handle money wisely and meet monthly expenses without worry.
4. Option to Add Extra Protection (Riders)
Many term plans allow you to add extra cover called "riders." These are add-on benefits that you can buy by paying a little more. Some common riders include:

Critical illness cover &ndash; pays money if you are diagnosed with a serious illness
Accidental death cover &ndash; gives more money if death happens due to an accident
Waiver of premium &ndash; stops future payments if you become disabled

These add-ons help make your life insurance even stronger and more helpful.
5. Tax Benefits
A term plan may offer tax benefits as per current tax laws. You can get deductions on the premium you pay under certain sections of the Income Tax Act. Also, the money your family receives in case of death is usually not taxed (subject to applicable rules). This makes a term plan both useful and tax-efficient.&nbsp;(Please refer to government sources or consult a tax expert for the latest updates.)
6. Option to Get Money Back (Return of Premium)
Some term plans return your premium if you live till the end of the term. This is called the "return of premium" option. It means that while you get protection, you also get your money back later. This feature is useful for people who want both safety and savings.
7. Covers Critical and Terminal Illnesses
Some term plans also cover terminal illnesses. If you are diagnosed with such an illness, a part of the sum assured is paid early. This helps you and your family manage medical costs and other urgent needs. It gives support during a very difficult time.
8. Whole Life Cover Option
A few term plans offer coverage for your whole life. This means the plan does not end after 20 or 30 years. Instead, it covers you up to age 99 or more. Your family gets the sum assured no matter when the death happens (as long as the policy stays active). It gives long-term protection and peace of mind.
9. Premium Payment Flexibility
You can choose how you want to pay the premium. Some people prefer to pay every month, some every year, and some prefer a one-time payment. A term plan allows different modes like:

Monthly
Quarterly
Half-yearly
Yearly
One-time (single premium)

This helps you manage payments based on your income and comfort.
10. Online Availability and Easy Purchase
These days, you can buy a term plan online in just a few steps. It saves time and effort. Some plans don&rsquo;t even ask for medical tests if the coverage is basic. You can compare features, choose the right plan, and complete the process in minutes.
11. Support for Self-Employed People
A term plan is also great for self-employed people. They may not have a regular salary or retirement plan. If they are the main earners, their family depends fully on them. If something happens to them, a term plan makes sure their family does not face money problems.
12. Early Entry Benefits
Buying a term plan at a young age helps you save money. The premium is low because you are young and healthy. Once your premium is fixed, it usually stays the same for the full term. So, starting early gives you more years of coverage at a lower cost.
Conclusion
A term plan is one of the best ways to give your family strong protection. It is simple, affordable, and offers many useful features. You can choose your plan term, premium mode, and even add extra benefits like illness and accident cover. Whether you are a young professional, a parent, or self-employed, a term plan gives peace of mind that your loved ones will be safe even if you are not around. Look at the features that matter most to you and pick a plan that suits your needs. Simple, safe, and smart-that&rsquo;s what a good life insurance term plan offers.

Features That Make a Term Plan Stand Out for Comprehensive Protection

Riya Vaidya, an LA-based production designer and art director, is a respected name in the film and media sphere, with an artistic vision fueled by curiosity, conscience, and optimism. A natural genre-hopper with an intuitive understanding of human nature and an empathetic eye, is drawn to eclectic narratives, magical worlds, and heartfelt stories which hold complexity and humor, often centered around characters who feel strange or out of place, working to decode, connect, and feel empowered in their weird and wild universe.
Her early work in the film industry started in the costume department in India, on an untitled comedy web series pilot starring popular Indian comedy &amp; music duo, JordIndian. This was followed by work on a commercial for White House Menswear, with acclaimed art director &amp; celebrity stylist Nidhi Rajain.
With an undergraduate background in industrial design, an MFA in Production Design from the American Film Institute, and a lifelong love for the arts, Riya&rsquo;s receptivity for exploring &amp; charting the unknown forms the foundation of her skills &amp; ever-expanding perspective.

Riya&rsquo;s outstanding production design work has been recognized and exhibited widely; most recently for the short film &lsquo;Dead Girl&rsquo; - which premiered at AFI Fest in 2024, and won the Best Direction award at the LGBT Los Angeles Film Festival. Her talents were displayed across multiple cities in North America &amp; in India, with &lsquo;Dead Girl&rsquo; being an official selection and screening at prestigious film festivals, which include the Chicago Horror Film Festival, one of the top global horror film festivals and launchpads for indie filmmakers, and South Asia's biggest LGBTQ+ film festival, Kashish Pride Film Festival in Mumbai.
Additional noteworthy selections for &lsquo;Dead Girl&rsquo; include the Independent Shorts Awards, LGBTQ+ Toronto &amp; Los Angeles Film Festival 2025, and OutSouth Queer Film Festival 2025 in North Carolina. OutSouth Queer Film Festival is regarded as one of the most influential queer film festivals in the US and the world, indicative of the sweeping impact of Riya&rsquo;s artistic finesse. The film was also awarded with the Exceptional Merit title at LGBTQ Unordered International Film Festival, and nominated for the &lsquo;Best Short Film&rsquo; at the LA Indies Film Festival.

Riya also designed the short film &lsquo;Borders&rsquo;, an official selection for Aperture International Film Festival in Atlanta. Another significant film in her repertoire is &rsquo;Sūnna&rsquo;, in which she imbued the sets with delicate depth and background detail as the art director. &lsquo;Sūnna&rsquo; directed by Radha Mehta, was supported by the 2024 Julia S Gouw film grant, and presented by Janet Yang Productions &amp; the Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment.
Other films elevated by Riya&rsquo;s prowess in the art department include: &lsquo;Lady Parts&rsquo; - as set dresser &amp; special effects master, screened at over a dozen festivals including the Seattle International Film Festival, and &lsquo;Behold A Lady&rsquo; - as property master &amp; set dresser, which was showcased and awarded at the Newark Black Film Festival. She was also the production designer for the proof-of-concept film for the feature film &lsquo;Kissinger Takes Paris&rsquo;, with director Jeff Stanzler.
Riya&rsquo;s production design and art direction work spans across multiple formats - shorts, commercials, music videos, and series. More information on her work &amp; visuals are available on the website: www.riyavaidya.art

Riya Vaidya – Luminary production designer, shaping life through cinema, art, and experimentation

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Expert Take on leading AI-Driven Product Innovation in the Energy Sector

Expert Take on leading AI-Driven Product Innovation in the Energy Sector

Hema Malini Launches ‘Fearless & Feminine’ with Harpreet and Abhishek at SBR 2025 in Mumbai

5 Things to Know About Loans Against Mutual Fund Investments

Features That Make a Term Plan Stand Out for Comprehensive Protection

Riya Vaidya – Luminary production designer, shaping life through cinema, art, and experimentation