HCL Foundation, Abhinav Bindra Trust Announce “Partnership To Unlock Potential Of Young Sports Talent” From Grassroots

HCL Foundation, which delivers the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda for HCLTech in India, and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust (ABFT) have joined forces to identify young sports talentfrom underserved communities across India and provide them advanced training to help them compete in national and international sports championships. 

Under the partnership, HCL Foundation and ABFT have selected 45 sportspersons in the 10-16 years age group. These athletes represent diverse sports that include football, athletics, basketball, kabaddi, cricket, rugby, boxing and volleyball. Of these, 10 athletes with significant potential will be part of ABFT’s one-year STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Analytics, Medicine) program, which provides high-performance training and development in coordination with their coaches at the ABFT centers in Bengaluru and Delhi. The program encompasses physiotherapy, mental health, injury management, rehabilitation, strength and conditioning. The remaining 35 athletes will be part of ABFT’s Scientific Assessment Program, which provides customized training plans for athletes and coaches. The ABFT team will also conduct regular capacity-building sessions for coaches on the importance of assessments, the use of data for talent identification, injury management and nutrition for athletes. 

The partnership with ABFT is part of HCL Foundation’s Sports for Change initiative which focuses on balanced participation, excellence and holistic development for children and youth from disadvantaged communities. To date, 27,000+ children and young sportspersons have benefited from the program. While 13 sportspersons supported through this initiative have represented India at international championships, another 42 participated in national-level competitions. HCL Foundation Sports Scholar, Jerlin Anika, became India’s first woman Deaflympian to receive the Arjuna Award in 2022 for her achievements in badminton. Jerlin won three gold medals at the 2022 Deaflympics in Brazil while representing India. She also won six gold medals at the Asia Pacific Youth Badminton Championships and Asia Pacific Deaf Badminton Championships in Thailand.  

“We are excited to join hands with the HCL Foundation on this groundbreaking initiative towards empowering the sports ecosystem in India. Our goal is to establish an enduring ecosystem that fosters the growth and empowerment of athletes, enabling them to achieve the highest levels of sporting success. With an inclusive approach, the program focuses on athletes from disadvantaged communities and provides a scientifically structured and holistic training and development program that is affordable and accessible to all,” said Abhinav Bindra, Olympic Champion & Founder, Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust.  Bindra is the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal. 

“Our partnership with the Abhinav Bindra Foundation Trust will empower young athletes with the necessary resources and mentoring to unlock their full potential. Through the integration of high-performance training and technology-oriented scientific assessments within the framework of global best practices, we aim to establish an Olympics Development Program geared towards producing top-class international athletes. The collaboration underscores our unwavering dedication to sports development and belief in harnessing the transformative potential of sports,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President, Global CSR, HCL Foundation. 

About HCLTech

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 223,438 people across 60 countries, delivering industry-leading capabilities centered around digital, engineering, cloud and AI, powered by a broad portfolio of technology services and products. We work with clients across all major verticals, providing industry solutions for Financial Services, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare, Technology and Services, Telecom and Media, Retail and CPG, and Public Services. Consolidated revenues as of 12 months ending June 2023 totaled $12.8 billion. To learn how we can supercharge progress for you, visit hcltech.com.  

Dalmia Bharat Foundation Announces Launch Of “8 New DIKSHa Centres” Across India In FY 24 On Eve Of ‘World Youth Skills Day’

* DIKSHa Program aims to Skill 1 lakh youth for sustainable livelihood 

Dalmia Bharat Foundation (DBF), the corporate social responsibility arm of Dalmia Bharat Ltd. (DBL) has announced its plan to train 1 lakh youth by FY 30 under its flagship programme - Dalmia Institute of Knowledge and Skill Harnessing (DIKSHa). DIKSHa is dedicated to enabling skill development and sustainable livelihoods for disadvantaged youth in rural communities in India. To strengthen the reach of the programme, DBF will be opening 8 new centres across India in FY 24, in addition to its existing network of 15 centers, with a cumulative training capacity of 8000 trainees. The new centres will be launched in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Odisha and Tamil Nadu. The programme was initiated in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation in 2016. DBF has further expanded partnerships to include the State Skill Development Missions of Odisha and Karnataka, as well as collaborationswith organizations like NABARD, NBCFDC, OSDA, BOSCH, Schneider Electric, etc. 

Commenting on the expansion plan, Mr. Ashok Kumar Gupta, CEO, Dalmia Bharat Foundation said, “At Dalmia Bharat we aim to create programmes for inclusive development and are committed to make a tangible impact on the lives of the marginalized communities. On the eve of World Youth Skills Day, we are happy to announce our expansion plans for DIKSHa, dedicated to empowering our youth with essential skills for a brighter future. We aim to bridge the significant skill gaps in our nation’s workforce, creating opportunities for economic empowerment and a better life. Through DIKSHa we hope to build a skilled and Atmanirbhar India." 

In a country with the youngest and largest workforce in the world, India faces the challenge of significant skill gaps, with only 5% of the workforce recognized as formally skilled. Addressing this concern, DBF via DIKSHa provides placement-linked, short-term skill training to youth and women, adding them to skilled workforce for enhanced income. 

DIKSHa primarily focuses on training unemployed youth or youth with limited prospects by enhancing their employability through skill development. DIKSHa offers training in a wide range of areas, including healthcare, industrial sewing machine operator, assistant electrician, customer relationship management, sales and marketing, data entry operator, beauty and wellness, and unarmed security. Till date, DIKSHa has trained 11647 individuals successfully with more than 8271 individuals placed in gainfulemployment, earning monthly wages ranging from INR 8,000 to INR 20,000.  

About Dalmia Bharat Foundation  

Dalmia Bharat Foundation focuses on building Sustainable Livelihoods and ensure Rural Development in its programme areas. These programmes combine in-depth, long-term plans and strategies along with medium- and short-term initiatives and campaigns. Owing to the great differences across locations, DBF has adopted a flexible, multi-intervention approach that allows programmes and people to grow together and sustain each other. The two focus areas have been derived from the felt needs of the community and issues material to the business. Visit us at?http://www.dalmiafoundation.org. 

Embrace The Monsoon Season With NueGo: Get Exclusive Offers On Rainy Rides Using Code “RAINY10”

NueGo, India’s leading premium electric bus brand by GreenCell Mobility is delighted to announce its latest monsoon campaign, Rainy Rides with NueGo. Customers can now enjoy a discount of 10% on all their bookings by using the exclusive promo code "RAINY10". This limited-time offer is valid until July 31st and is applicable to all routes for customers booking through the NueGo website and app.  

NueGo understands the joy and convenience of hassle-free travel during the rainy season. With their reliable and comfortable rides, passengers can avoid the inconvenience of driving in heavy rain or navigating through congested traffic. By offering a 10% discount, NueGo aims to make rainy commutes even more enjoyable and affordable for everyone. 

To avail the 10% discount, customers simply need to follow these easy steps: 

Visit the NueGo website or download the NueGo app, available on android phones 

Select the pickup and drop-off locations, for your desired route. 

Enter the promo code "RAINY10" during the booking process. 

Enjoy a 10% discount on the total fare. 

Please note that this exclusive offer is applicable only for bookings made on the NueGo website and app. Customers are urged to take advantage of this opportunity before it expires on July 31st, 2023.  

With safety and comfort as their top priorities, NueGo is plying between some of the most popular destinations in the country, including Indore-Bhopal, Delhi-Chandigarh, Delhi-Agra, Delhi-Dehradun, Delhi-Jaipur, Agra-Jaipur, Bengaluru-Tirupati, Chennai-Tirupati, Chennai-Pondicherry, and Hyderabad-Vijayawada, with more routes being added soon. 

Being a customer centric brand, NueGo buses go through 25 stringent safety checks including mechanical and electrical inspections. These electric buses can run upto 250 kilometers in a single charge, with the air conditioners on, in traffic conditions. NueGo buses are fitted with innovative technology and offer end to end convenience for inter-city travelers with focus on Safety, Punctuality, and seamless customer experience. NueGo is a game-changer in the Indian travel industry, providing a new and safe way to travel with its premium electric AC coach service. With their focus on safety, comfort, and eco-friendliness, they aim to provide their passengers with an unparalleled travel experience. 

For further information about Rainy Rides with NueGo and to book your next journey,  visit https://nuego.in/ or download the NueGo app from app store.  

About NueGo: 

NueGo is India’s leading premium electric bus coach brand from GreenCell Mobility. A customer centric brand, NueGo coaches go through 25 stringent safety checks including mechanical and electrical inspections. These electric coaches can run 250 kilometers in a single charge, with the air conditioners on, in traffic conditions. NueGo coaches are fitted with innovative technology and offer end to end convenience for inter-city travellers with focus on Safety, Punctuality, and seamless customer experience. NueGo has well trained and courteous staff, offers airport-like premium lounges in selective cities. These lounge offers customer assist, luggage management services and curated F&B menu and on board with on-time performance. 

“Odysse Collaborates With Flipkart” Thus Entering The E-Commerce World

* Enabling Access to the Entire Range of Odysse’s Products including pre booking of Vader, and purchase of Evoqis, Hawk, Racer Lite V2 and E2Go and their variants 

* Seamless and Convenient Pre-booking and Purchase clubbed with attractive offers 

Odysse Electric Vehicles, India’s fastest-growing premium electric vehicle manufacturer, is delighted to announce its strategic partnership with Flipkart, India's largest e-commerce marketplace. This collaboration aims to provide customers across the country with a seamless and hassle-free experience to pre-book and purchase Odysse's range of innovative and cutting-edge electric bikes and scooters bundled with amazing launch offers. The entire range of Odysse products which includes popular models such as India’s first motorbike with 7” Android display - Vader, sporty e-bike - Evoqis, High speed electric scooters like Hawk Plus, and low speed scooters like Racer Lite V2, and E2Go Lite and its variants. With this partnership, the company aims to revolutionize the way customers access and embrace innovative electric mobility solutions across India. 

Odysse Electric Vehicles strives to offer a consistent and integrated experience across various channels, including online, mobile, and physical dealerships. Through Flipkart’s reach, customer insights and online marketplace experience, Odysse looks forward to offer its customers the entire range of Odysse’s electric vehicles on fingertips.  

With this partnership, customers can explore and purchase Odysse's diverse line-up of electric bikes and scooters, which showcase innovative design, advanced technology, and exceptional performance. From stylish and nimble scooters perfect for commuting on Indian roads to powerful and robust bikes tailored for thrilling experiences, Odysse's product range caters to various preferences and requirements. 

Commenting on the announcement, Mr. Nemin Vora, CEO, Odysse Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., said, "In today's era being driven by technology, E-commerce has emerged as a powerful tool for reaching a wide range of customers across all segments of society.  Our partnership with Flipkart is a strategic move to expand our reach to a broader audience, enabling them to easily access and embrace the latest advancements in electric mobility and sustainable technology. By leveraging the convenience and accessibility of e-commerce, we aim to empower more individuals to adopt the new age of electric mobility, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.” 

Odysse and Flipkart will be offering exclusive deals, discounts, and attractive financing schemes to enable a hassle-free purchase of the electric two wheelers.

Additionally, Flipkart's robust delivery network and customer support services will ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience to own Odysse products for all their buyers. 

To explore Odysse's range of electric bikes and scooters on Flipkart, visit Odysse- Buy Products Online at Best Price in India - All Categories | Flipkart.com. For more information about Odysse and its commitment to electric mobility, visit https://odysse.in/ . 

About Odysse Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd: 

Mumbai based Electric Vehicle start-up, Odysse, is a part of Vora group of companies. An all-electric mobility platform that collaborates with the world's leading E.V. component manufacturers and mobility technology specialists to usher in a new era of intelligent urban electric mobility for customers. The company’s electric scooters and bikes are available for all riders, from the young to the old, from fashionable buyers and comfort seekers to busy business riders. Every product is subjected to rigorous durability and dependability tests. Odysse provides every customer with a comprehensive package of quality, comfort, and style at an affordable price. Presently, the brand product portfolio includes: - 

Electric motorcycle VADER (with 7” Android display, IOT, four drive modes, 18-liters storage space, Google Map Navigation) 

Electric bike EVOQIS (with four drive modes, keyless entry, anti-theft lock and motor cut-off switch) 

Electric scooter HAWK (India’s first electric scooter with cruise control & Music system) 

E2Go & E2go+ (electric scooter with portable battery, USB charging, digital speedometer and keyless entry) 

Electric scooter V2 and V2+ (waterproof motor, huge boot space, dual battery and led lights) 

Electric scooter TROT for last-mile delivery (Loading capacity of 250 kgs and IoT) 

WION ‘Billion Dollar Idea’ Season 2 Goes Live On July 16; To Feature Entrepreneurial Success Stories Of Business Leaders Making It Big!

WION presents Season 2 of 'Billion Dollar Idea': charting the extraordinary stories of individuals building big businesses, India's premier international news channel, WION, is thrilled to announce the highly anticipated Season 2 of its talk show, 'Billion Dollar Idea,' hosted by news anchor and entrepreneur, Jasper Reid. With 12 highly engaging episodes, the new season aims to inspire and empower viewers in pursuit of bigger dreams.

'Billion Dollar Idea' Season 2 delves into the rapidly evolving landscape of Indian business, exploring both traditional and disruptive enterprises by talking to experienced and emerging entrepreneurs as well. The show provides an intimate glimpse into the personal journeys and motivations of its notable guests, sharing their successes, setbacks, and the stories behind their remarkable achievements.

Season 2 introduces a revamped format, featuring in-person and on-location interviews with Jasper Reid (the Founder and CEO of International Market Management) engaging in informal chats with guests who have founded or lead enterprises valued at $1.0 billion or whose firms have the potential to become 'Unicorns.'

Episode 1 of 'Billion Dollar Idea' Season 2 goes live on Sunday, July 16th, 2023 and features thought-provoking conversations with Anish Achuthan, Co-founder of Open Money, India's 100th unicorn, as he shares candid insights into making his #BillionDollarIdea a reality.

Madhu Soman, Chief Business Officer of WION, commented on the approach of Season 2, saying, "With the second season of Billion-Dollar Idea, we plan to dig deeper and unpack the method behind the madness. And Jasper, with his slightly irreverent and freewheeling style, has this uncanny ability to get the mind behind the money to open up while keeping things conversational yet compelling."

Jasper Reid, entrepreneur, and host of the show adds, "An entrepreneur's journey is never easy. It requires unwavering zeal, the courage to face failure, and the willingness to take risks and handle uncertainty. As I explore the struggles and triumphs of each of the 12 entrepreneurs, I hope their stories will inspire many others in the future."

WION - The World is One News, renowned for its comprehensive analysis of global issues, has amassed a subscriber base of over 7 million on YouTube. The channel consistently outshines many Indian English News channels, including India Today, NDTV, and Times Now, in terms of monthly viewership on digital platforms.

About WION: WION, World is One News, is a distinguished English global news brand under Zee Media, reaching audiences in over 190 countries. It provides unparalleled coverage of global news from an Indian perspective. Website: www.WIONews.com

Zee Media Corporation Ltd, a leading media conglomerate in India, boasts a robust presence in news and regional genres, with 16 news channels spanning seven languages and an extensive viewership of over 528 million through linear and digital platforms.

Bengaluru Set To Host Asia's Biggest Apparel Sourcing Expo- Apparel Sourcing Week 2023

~Apparel manufacturers from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, India and other countries to participate~

~A true apparel industry festival – 150+ apparel manufacturers, fabric & accessories manufacturers to showcase latest of apparel and textile innovations for 10000+ brands & retailers~

Apparel Sourcing Week (ASW) 2023, Asia's premier sourcing show for the global fashion and retail industry is poised to create a wave of excitement with its much-awaited third edition. With participation from over 15 countries and the presence of more than 5000 visitors from across the globe representing buyers, sourcing heads, industry professionals and retail brands from the fashion and retail industry, ASW 2023 is set to become the biggest platform in the region. The highly anticipated 2023 edition of ASW is scheduled to take place on July 20th-21st at the iconic Hotel Sheraton Grand and Convention Center in Bengaluru, this transformative event will provide an unprecedented platform for industry stakeholders to tap into the immense potential of the booming Indian fashion retail market.

The global fair as it is, with 150 exhibitors from countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, India, Mauritius, Hong Kong, and Australia; 50-plus fabric and accessories manufacturers; and 30-plus sponsors offering specialised fabrics to sustainable technology, ASW 2023 will be the veritable one-stop sourcing solution for the supply chain players. Among the key exhibitors at ASW 2023 are Aitken Spence Apparel, Timex Garments (Pvt.) Limited,  Sarasavi Exports, Colmans Garments Group (all from Sri Lanka); Azim group, Pakiza, Mitali Fashions (all from Bangladesh); Pratibha Syntex, SCM Garments, Creative Garments Pvt Ltd., Texport Industries (all from India), apart from many others presenting their innovative product ensembles and manufacturing capabilities.

With meticulous selection criteria focusing on specialisation, delivery, shipment, and sustainability, ASW 2023 guarantees the exhibitors will fulfil every requirement of the discerning buyers.

"The Indian market stands as a beacon of hope amidst the global economic challenges, and ASW 2023 offers a gateway to this extraordinary growth story," expressed Mayank Mohindra, CEO of ASW and Director, Apparel Resources, adding, "Our vision is to provide an unparalleled and enriching experience in the vibrant fashion retail landscape of India."

This year ASW will feature about 25-plus panel discussions and workshops with the first day being dedicated to SustainableNXT Conference and Awards while day two will have panel discussions on themes such as Sourcing as a Service.

The highlight of Day 1 of ASW 2023 is the SustainableNXT Conference & Awards, dedicated to fostering circularity, green building, sustainable materials and practices in the fashion industry, promoting the agenda of sustainability and a greener future. Committed as it is towards driving positive changes ASW through SustainableNXT Awards will honour 20 individuals and entities across five categories for their exceptional efforts in the realm of sustainability.

It’s just not hardcore business; ASW will not be found wanting when it comes to inspiration either as events like Trend Walk, Pledge Wall and BOTS will take the spirit of motivation to all together different level even as the attendees will soak in the melodious tunes of saxophone as they give in to the heady mix of fun, food and entertainment, to make ASW a memorable experience. 

Around 5000 plus attendees including buyer delegates, representing leading national and global retail chains and e-commerce platforms, ASW 2023 will once again reiterate its standing as the foremost sourcing platform, captivating the attention of top industry players, only to consolidate its position as the global hub for fashion retail.

Website: https://apparelsourcingweek.com/

Alli Serona_Together In Art: Inspiring Women In The Informal Sector To Harness The Power Of Creativity

* The film was screened at Alliance Française de Bangalore on the 13th of July in the presence of women from the informal sector

Can underrepresented women from the informal sector with differing caste, language and community backgrounds find joy in a community bound together by creativity? Why don't or can’t they claim public spaces with as much ease as men do and only leave the confines of their homes and work environments to do errands? Can they make time to make rangolis together, do quilting, block printing, and share their lives? How can the power of participatory art practices address the mobility demands of women informal workers?

These are some of the questions that the short documentary 'Alli Serona: Together in Art' raises with sensitivity. Screened on the 13th of July at Alliance Française de Bangalore, the film documents the efforts of ‘Alli Serona’ (Let’s meet there), a social impact movement. 'Alli Serona' originated in Marathahalli, a bustling locality in suburban Bengaluru to bring together women working in the informal sector, in an empowering community-centric movement.

You can watch this short documentary here: https://youtu.be/t-Fes6qk1d8 

Tanisha Arora, a Senior Creative Strategist and key spokesperson for the initiative, says, "Alli Serona: Together in Art,' successfully demonstrates how participatory art practices can empower even the most underserved women and help them transcend language barriers, cultural differences, and social divides. Active involvement in collective creation away from the daily grind can offer them a shared opportunity for dialogue, self-expression, and mutual connection."

Why the name 'Alli Serona'? "The name was chosen by the women themselves and it has a certain energy and movement that they have come to relate with.,” adds Tanisha. They are also acutely aware of how climate change impacts underserved communities like their own. "The effects of climate change are first felt by informal settlements, often affecting marginalised communities whose voices are often absent in decision-making spaces and processes. The 'Alli Serona' movement is an attempt to ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable stakeholders are not only heard but also amplified.”

The film focuses on many such voices and celebrates the resilience of women like Parvathamma and Chand Bi who now steal a little time for themselves to collectively reflect upon their role in the informal workforce and as well as in society. Says Shwetha T, a dedicated mural artist involved in the project from the Aravani Art Project, "Women have all sorts of things in their hearts. Pain, sadness, joy, and difficulties. We make them forget all of that when we invite them to paint."

Alli Serona (“Let’s meet there” in Kannada) is a collective of civil society organisations, creators, and think tanks that are working together to bring the voices of the informal sector of Bengaluru to the centre of the city’s shift to a more sustainable, low-carbon city.

OPPO India Teams Up With The Atal Innovation Mission To Set Up The First PPP-Model Atal Tinkering Lab

OPPO India announces the establishment of an Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) in Kerala in collaboration with NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) as Knowledge Partners. This programme motivates students to explore, experiment, and undertake projects involving DIY kits in robotics, electronics, and rapid prototyping.

The lab at St Paul’s CEHSS in Kuriachira, Thrissur, was inaugurated on 10th July 2023 by Shri Rajeev Chandrashekar, the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Electronics and Information Technology. The primary objective of this initiative is to create an empowered future-ready workforce and nurture entrepreneurship and technological skills among the youth. Till 2022, 10,000 ATLs were established across 35 States and UTs in India via government grants. This collaboration marks the establishment of the first-ever Atal Tinkering Lab, based on the PPP (Public-Private Partnership) model.

Dr. Chintan Vaishnav, MD, Atal Innovation Mission, said, "On behalf of the Atal Innovation Mission team, I welcome OPPO to the ATL Community. The establishment of the first PPP Atal Tinkering Lab in collaboration with OPPO India is a significant milestone in India's School Innovation journey. Through this new modality of partner-established ATLs, we hope to democratise tinkering and make it available to many more students across the country. I invite more partners to this new and exciting initiative to establish many more ATLs in India, thus empowering more young innovators."

The ATL has been set up to empower school children in classes 6th to 12th to develop innovative solutions. The students can harness cutting-edge technology tools such as 3D printing, the Internet of Things (IoT), robotics, miniaturised electronics, space technology, drone technology, and technology-inspired textiles.

Mr. Vivek Vasishtha, Vice-President, Public Affairs, OPPO India, said, “OPPO India is committed to social upliftment by investing in youth and providing holistic learning opportunities. We are delighted to inaugurate our first-ever Atal Tinkering Lab to offer a modern learning ecosystem to nurture future innovators and entrepreneurs. This collaboration is part of our endeavour to promote ‘out of the box’ thinking and teach community-oriented problem-solving capabilities to young students. We are proud to be able to contribute to the Government of India’s mission of empowering the citizens of tomorrow with future-ready skills.”

This collaboration between the AIM and OPPO—with Learning Links Foundation as the implementation partner—adapts the 'Hub n Spoke' strategy to create an innovative learning environment through practical experiences and regular training sessions. The ATL in the nodal school will act as a ‘Hub’ for the students from neighbouring government schools to come and conduct experiments in the lab. This approach will also extend its assistance to three community schools.

“We take immense pride in collaborating with OPPO India and Niti Aayog to establish the Atal Tinkering Labs. We will work together to nurture a generation of individuals who will contribute to the development and advancement of our society,” said Dr Anjlee Prakash, Chairperson, Learning Links Foundation.

Through the ATL, children with exceptional potential will be identified and nurtured through the Student Innovator Programme and the ATL Marathon to provide them with mentorship opportunities from eminent entrepreneurs and prepare them to compete in national/regional contests, fostering lifelong learning.

OPPO India has taken proactive steps to offer advanced educational opportunities to children and motivate them to build a better future through various initiatives. These initiatives encompass setting up a computer lab at the Roundtable School in Varanasi and collaborating with MENSA to equip underprivileged children with digital literacy tools. Most recently, OPPO India has partnered with CSC Academy to train 10,000 women in semi-urban and rural areas as Cyber Security Ambassadors. 

About Atal Innovation Mission

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, is the Government of India’s flagship initiative to promote a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country. AIM has launched the Atal Tinkering Lab (ATL) program. ATL is a state-of-the-art space established in a school that aims to foster curiosity and innovation in young minds.  To date, AIM has selected 10,000 schools in 700+ districts of the country to establish ATLs.

About OPPO Mobiles India Private Limited

OPPO is the world's leading smart device manufacturer and innovator. Since its establishment in 2004, the company has expanded its global footprint to over sixty countries and regions, including India. OPPO Mobiles India Private Limited, registered in 2013, has its headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana. OPPO India now has one of India's largest mobile phone manufacturing centres. The manufacturing plant is spread across a 110-acre campus in Greater Noida, described as a ‘superfactory’ by National Geographic & is at the forefront of leading India’s smartphone manufacturing journey. The company has 65,000+ channel partners nationwide and service centres in over 530 cities, supporting over 150,000+ families across India.

IIIT-B Signs MoU With Continental Automotive Components India And Continental Autonomous Mobility India For Collaborative Engagement

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) and Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) to foster collaboration in the field of research and development. Additionally, IIIT-B and Continental Autonomous Mobility India Pvt Ltd have also signed an MoU and NDA to explore joint opportunities in autonomous mobility solutions.

The signing ceremony took place at IIIT-B's premises and was attended by distinguished representatives from both institutions. Present from IIIT-B were Prof. Debabrata Das, Director; Prof. Ramanathan Chandrashekar, Dean (Academics); Prof. Shrisha Rao, Dean (Faculty); Prof. Jyotsna Bapat; Prof. Dinesh Babu Jayagopi; Prof. Vinod Veera Reddy; and Prof. Vinu Venugopal. From Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd, the attendees included Ms. Latha Chembrakalam, Head of Continental Technical Center India (TCI); Mr. Sudeepth Puthumana, Head of ADAS Segments; Mr Ganesh S Rao, Head of R&D ADAS Engineering; and Mr. Thiyagarajan, Chief Manager, Leading TCI University connection program.

The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Prof. Debabrata Das, who expressed his appreciation for the partnership between IIIT-B and Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd. He emphasized the vital role played by IIIT-B in the research domain and its contributions to society. Prof. Das also highlighted the various research centres and programs conducted by IIIT-B, showcasing its expertise and commitment to cutting-edge research.

Prof. Ramanathan Chandrashekar, Dean (R&D) at IIIT-B, delivered a comprehensive presentation on IIIT-B and its research activities. He provided an overview of IIIT-B's vision, mission, and goals, underscoring its position as a premier academic institution. Prof. Chandrashekar highlighted IIIT-B's research programs and the significant achievements of its graduates, including successful startups. He also shed light on the major research domains and centres at IIIT-B, spanning areas such as Data Science, Computer Science, VLSI Systems, Wireless Communications, Mobile Computing, Physics, and Software Engineering.

Ms. Latha Chembrakalam, Head of Continental Technical Center India (TCI), then shared insights into Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd and its areas of focus. She emphasized the organization's commitment to attracting bright minds, upskilling its staff, fostering joint research collaborations, and engaging in corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities. Ms Chembrakalam highlighted TCI's vision and its role in shaping the future of mobility through cutting-edge research and development. She underscored TCI's collaboration with top engineering institutions, including IIIT-B, to fuel innovation and build competencies in niche areas.

The signing of the MoUs and NDAs between IIIT-B and Continental Automotive Components (India) Pvt Ltd, as well as IIIT-B and Continental Autonomous Mobility India Pvt Ltd, marked a significant milestone in the collaboration between the institutions. The agreements solidify their commitment to joint research, development, and innovation in various areas of mutual interest. The MoU event concluded with a productive discussion on the possible outcomes of the collaboration. The partnership sets a strong precedent for industry-academia collaborations that drive technological innovation, research advancements, and socio-economic growth.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute focused on Post-Graduate IT education and research, located in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore. IIIT-Bangalore is graded A+ by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). In the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) for 2022, IIIT-B has secured 74th ranking. The institute was ranked number 1 among India's Best Technical Universities (Private) by India Today. IIIT-Bangalore contains state-of-the-art infrastructure, eminently qualified faculty, a vibrant alumni community, cutting-edge research facilities, and close industry collaborations. 

The institute’s specially designed courses make the students cognitive of the current technologies. Experiential learning and practices followed in the institute equip them with the tools and knowledge to solve contemporary real problems. IIIT-Bangalore has consistently achieved excellent placement records every year since its establishment in 1998, thanks to the unwavering support of the industry and the expanding pool of highly skilled alumni.

For more details, log onto https://www.iiitb.ac.in

Yulu’s Next-Generation DeX GR EVs Hit Roads In Bengaluru

* Jointly developed by Yulu and Bajaj Auto, the Yulu DeX GR bikes are purpose-built on a smart two-wheeler platform and will accelerate green deliveries across the city  

Yulu, India’s largest shared electric 2-wheeler mobility player, today handed over the first batch of new third-generation Yulu Dex GR shared EVs to delivery executives in Bengaluru. The Yulu DeX GR handover event was graced by honourable Chief Guest M.N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Commissioner of Police, Traffic, Bengaluru City.  

The Yulu GR shared EVs are the result of a first-of-its-kind global collaboration between Yulu and leading OEM brand Bajaj Auto. The vehicles are manufactured on a purpose-built platform specially engineered for urban mobility, keeping in mind Indian consumers, the climate, and road conditions. Accordingly, the DeX GR EVs have enhanced features including smart batteries for higher ride uptime, and longer range and load-carrying capacities. 

Pradeep Puranam, Head of Revenue and Operations - Yulu said, “Yulu is committed to providing sustainable and efficient mobility solutions for urban users. At the core of the new DeX GR EV is our extensive user-focused R&D into the needs of last-mile delivery executives and enterprises. Yulu has always been at the forefront of the mobility revolution through its innovative products and services. We believe that the new DeX GR, supported by Yulu’s robust on-ground operations and our flexible rental plans- will enhance delivery riders’ earnings and provide them a truly delightful experience.” 

The new generation of Yulu shared EVs will have access to the extensive charging infrastructure of Yuma Energy, which operates one of India’s largest networks of battery swapping stations for electric two-wheelers. 

Suzuki Motorcycle India Rolls Out The 5 Millionth Access 125 From Its Gurugram Plant

Suzuki Motorcycle India Pvt. Ltd. (SMIPL), the two-wheeler subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation has achieved a significant production milestone as the company rolled out 5 millionth Access 125 from its Kherki Dhaula plant situated in Gurugram, Haryana.

Access 125 was the first scooter in the 125 cc segment at the time of its launch in 2007. Today, Suzuki Access 125 has come a long way in proving its supremacy in the Indian market and achieving a significant market share in the country. This family scooter with its attractive looks and a peppy engine has won the heart of many and has been on a healthy growth trajectory. The company has also been quick in upgrading the Access 125 almost every year to perfectly match it with the latent expectations of the customers.  

Commenting on the occasion, Mr. Kenichi Umeda, Managing Director, Suzuki Motorcycle India said, “This is a major milestone for all of us at Suzuki Motorcycle India. It reflects our commitment and customers’ confidence in our Access 125 in the domestic as well as overseas markets. We express our sincere gratitude towards our valued customers, dealer partners, associates, and all our colleagues for supporting us achieve this remarkable feat. Today’s Access 125 is fully equipped with convenient features developed keeping the Indian customers in mind.”  

ABOUT SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE INDIA PVT LTD (SMIPL)

Suzuki Motorcycle India Private Limited is a subsidiary of Suzuki Motor Corporation, Japan wherein they have the same manufacturing philosophy of PRODUCTS OF SUPERIOR VALUE right from the inception. SMIPL manufactures two-wheelers best suited for valuable Indian customers. The Company started its India operation in February 2006.

Bank of Baroda Launches “Mahila Samman Savings Certificate 2023”

* A 2-year deposit scheme, offering 7.50% p.a. interest rate 

Bank of Baroda (Bank), one of India’s leading public sector banks announced the launch of the “Mahila Samman Savings Certificate” (MSSC) Scheme, a new initiative by the Government for women. MSSC is a 2-year deposit scheme, which offers an interest rate of 7.5% per annum. The Union Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate, a small savings scheme for women and girls, in the Union Budget 2023-24. The scheme is valid for a two-year period up to March 31, 2025. 

Both customers and non-customers can open a Mahila Samman Savings Certificate Scheme at Bank of Baroda. All women are eligible to open an account, which can be opened for herself or by a guardian (female or male) on behalf of a minor girl. Under this scheme, a single account holder can make a cumulative deposit of Rs 200,000 – either at one time or in phases with a minimum deposit of Rs 1,000, in multiples of Rs 100. Individuals can open multiple accounts but a minimum time gap of three months is to be maintained between the existing account and the opening of another account. The interest is compounded quarterly and credited to the Mahila Samman Savings Certificate account. 

Partial withdrawal can be initiated by the account holder or the Legal Guardian (in case of a minor) up to 40% of the eligible balance after completion of one year from the date of opening of the account. 

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ajay K. Khurana, Executive Director, Bank of Baroda said, “The Mahila Samman Savings Certificate (MSSC) Scheme is specially designed for women - to encourage women to invest and ensure their financial independence. At Bank of Baroda, we are pleased to launch the MSSC scheme, which will be available at all our branches across the country. MSSC will facilitate the empowerment of women from all walks of life and Bank of Baroda will leverage its significant presence across the country to support this initiative by the Government.”   

MSSC account opening forms are available at all Bank of Baroda branches.  

About Bank of Baroda 

Founded on 20th July, 1908 by Sir Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Bank of Baroda is one of the leading commercial banks in India. At 63.97% stake, it is majorly owned by the Government of India. The Bank serves its global customer base of over 150 million through over 70,000 touch points spread across 17 countries in five continents. Through Its state-of-the-art digital banking platforms, it provides all banking products and services in a seamless and hassle-free manner. The Bank’s bob World mobile app provides customers with a saving, investing, borrowing, and shopping experience, all under one single app. The app also serves non-customers by enabling account opening through video KYC. The Bank’s vision matches its diverse clientele base and instills a sense of trust and security. It is moving well in that direction and bob World is a testimony of its roadmap towards Digital Transformation. 

Visit us at www.bankofbaroda.in   

Kyndryl Bridge, Powered By AI, Data And Deep Industry Expertise, Provides a New Way To Manage Technology Services

* Platform drives improved business outcomes, already providing more than $1 billion in annualized customer savings to early adopters

Kyndryl (NYSE: KD), the world’s largest technology infrastructure services provider, today announced that more than 500 global enterprise customers are operational on Kyndryl Bridge, with more than 1,000 customers expected by fiscal year-end. Kyndryl Bridge is the industry’s first open-integration technology services platform and seamlessly integrates artificial intelligence (AI), operational data and Kyndryl expertise to provide customers with a new way to operate their systems and deliver improved business outcomes.

As the No. 1 provider of infrastructure implementation and managed services globally, Kyndryl is integrating AI and machine learning (ML) at scale into mission-critical systems. The Company also leverages its expertise, including intellectual property, patents, skills and deep industry experience, to accelerate the delivery of new innovations and services as customers look to gain value from emerging technologies to transform their operations.

Kyndryl Bridge is estimated to have already helped enable early adopters to avoid more than $1 billion in annual costs, including:

$670 million in annualized cost avoidance as a result of preventing thousands of incidents before they occur.

$370 million in annualized cost avoidance as a result of reducing required maintenance windows.

“Kyndryl Bridge reinvents the way CXOs manage their increasingly complex technology estates,” said Martin Schroeter, Kyndryl Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “This differentiated, AI-powered, open-integration services platform accelerates automation, drives efficiencies, and creates a more sustainable operation – helping companies advance their growth objectives and deliver stakeholder value.” 

Integrated Platform Accelerates Digital Transformations

Kyndryl Bridge was launched in September 2022 as part of Kyndryl’s Advanced Delivery initiative, which is one of its central Three-A’s strategies. The platform was formed from the Company’s decades of expertise managing enterprises’ complex, mission-critical environments, and is an ‘as-a-service’ operating environment that includes a single marketplace, an operational management console and an AI and ML analytics engine.

“The need for a multi-cloud management platform to control all on-prem and cloud resources is paramount for enterprises in migrating and modernizing technology to the cloud while transforming their businesses,” said David Tapper, IDC Vice President, Outsourcing and Managed Cloud Services. “Leveraging a multi-cloud management platform such as Kyndryl Bridge that can support public cloud providers, automate development and deployment processes, accelerate generating business outcomes and provide comprehensiveness of visibility into technology operations while using both AI to drive efficiencies and align consumption with user-specific needs and FinOps to optimize spend across cloud resources, map costs to business units and forecast spending and budgeting should help achieve these objectives.”

Alliance Partners Co-Innovate on Kyndryl Bridge

Additionally, Kyndryl and its technology alliance partners are collaborating to accelerate and deliver real-time insights and innovation across IT estates.

“We are co-innovating with Kyndryl to develop new solutions that enable customers to gain greater visibility and value from their existing data estates and technology investments,” said Chris Niederman, AWS General Manager of Global Systems Integrators. “By combining the longstanding expertise of Kyndryl’s applied intelligence with the vast scale of AWS’ data lake and machine learning services, we are working to better serve joint customers and help them more effectively leverage the data within their organization for more informed business decisions that drive business transformation.”

“We are working with Kyndryl to simplify and accelerate transformation for our customers,” said Steffi Kuebler, SAP Senior Vice President, Head of Business and Data Transformation Solutions. “Starting with new migration techniques and automation to reduce project timelines, we are providing a holistic view of SAP and non-SAP workloads from a single pane of glass that helps customers gain important insights and understandings from their enterprise data.”

“The combination of Kyndryl Bridge Services and the Red Hat OpenShift and Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform helps customers more efficiently design, deploy and accelerate their cloud transformation projects. This also enables customers to more easily tap into a robust ecosystem of capabilities that enable them to gain greater application visibility, control and cost management. Together, Red Hat and Kyndryl are helping customers unlock the value of their technology investments faster for real business outcomes,” said Stefanie Chiras, Red Hat Senior Vice President, Partner Ecosystem Success.

Accelerated Expansion of Services

With nearly 190 digitally enabled services slated to be available on Kyndryl Bridge by the end of the current fiscal year (March 2024), the Company is driving AI innovation and expanding the depth and breadth of services so that customers can realize better business outcomes, such as:

Achieving AI-Driven Outcomes – A growing number of services that will help unlock greater opportunity for our customers, manage and model data, and deliver industry-specific outcomes – from enabling smart industry 4.0 manufacturing practices and reducing production quality risks to identifying new markets to develop and sell products at scale.

Becoming More Cyber Resilient and Compliant – New services that will optimize an organization’s security investments – from integrating data to preventing cyber threats, managing security incident workflows, and considering local and global data compliance requirements.

Meeting Net Zero Goals – The AI-powered sustainability intelligence and carbon footprint calculator will measure real-time energy consumption and emission data to help customers analyze, simulate, forecast and generate actionable recommendations to improve energy efficiency across an entire IT estate.

About Kyndryl

Kyndryl (NYSE: KD) is the world’s largest IT infrastructure services provider, serving thousands of enterprise customers in more than 60 countries. The company designs, builds, manages and modernizes the complex, mission-critical information systems that the world depends on every day. For more information, visit www.kyndryl.com.

Alli Serona_Together In Art: Inspiring Women In The Informal Sector To Harness The Power of Creativity

* The film was screened at Alliance Française de Bangalore on the 13th of July in the presence of women from the informal sector

Can underrepresented women from the informal sector with differing caste, language and community backgrounds find joy in a community bound together by creativity? Why don't or can’t they claim public spaces with as much ease as men do and only leave the confines of their homes and work environments to do errands? Can they make time to make rangolis together, do quilting, block printing, and share their lives? How can the power of participatory art practices address the mobility demands of women informal workers?

These are some of the questions that the short documentary 'Alli Serona: Together in Art' raises with sensitivity. Screened on the 13th of July at Alliance Française de Bangalore, the film documents the efforts of ‘Alli Serona’ (Let’s meet there), a social impact movement. 'Alli Serona' originated in Marathahalli, a bustling locality in suburban Bengaluru to bring together women working in the informal sector, in an empowering community-centric movement.

You can watch this short documentary here: https://youtu.be/t-Fes6qk1d8 

Tanisha Arora, a Senior Creative Strategist and key spokesperson for the initiative, says, "Alli Serona: Together in Art,' successfully demonstrates how participatory art practices can empower even the most underserved women and help them transcend language barriers, cultural differences, and social divides. Active involvement in collective creation away from the daily grind can offer them a shared opportunity for dialogue, self-expression, and mutual connection."

Why the name 'Alli Serona'? "The name was chosen by the women themselves and it has a certain energy and movement that they have come to relate with.,” adds Tanisha. They are also acutely aware of how climate change impacts underserved communities like their own. "The effects of climate change are first felt by informal settlements, often affecting marginalised communities whose voices are often absent in decision-making spaces and processes. The 'Alli Serona' movement is an attempt to ensure that the voices of the most vulnerable stakeholders are not only heard but also amplified.”

The film focuses on many such voices and celebrates the resilience of women like Parvathamma and Chand Bi who now steal a little time for themselves to collectively reflect upon their role in the informal workforce and as well as in society. Says Shwetha T, a dedicated mural artist involved in the project from the Aravani Art Project, "Women have all sorts of things in their hearts. Pain, sadness, joy, and difficulties. We make them forget all of that when we invite them to paint."

Alli Serona (“Let’s meet there” in Kannada) is a collective of civil society organisations, creators, and think tanks that are working together to bring the voices of the informal sector of Bengaluru to the centre of the city’s shift to a more sustainable, low-carbon city.

Housing.com Partners With FinBox To Offer Instant Personal Loans Upto Rs. 10 Lakhs

* Revolutionary Personal Loan Service with Instant Offers and Disbursements Within 24 Hours

Housing.com, India's leading proptech platform, has collaborated with credit infrastructure provider FinBox to introduce a new service that allows customers to borrow up to Rs. 10 Lakhs. This service aims to support customers with diverse financing needs, including rental security deposits, booking token amounts, renovation costs, and furniture purchases.

To make digital lending easily accessible, India's top proptech platform has integrated the service into its app and web interfaces. Users can conveniently access the service through Housing EDGE, a full-stack rental and allied services platform that offers end-to-end digital experiences.

Mr. Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO of Housing.com, stated, "Gone are the days of tedious loan applications and mountains of paperwork. Housing.com and FinBox have streamlined the process, allowing applicants to complete the entire loan application in just about 3 minutes." Once approved, applicants receive instant loan offers, with funds typically disbursed within 24 hours.

"At Housing.com, we have always been at the forefront of tech innovation, with a strong emphasis on simplifying the consumer journey while offering full-stack housing solutions. Our goal is to provide a one-stop-shop for all housing-related services, and through this collaboration, we aim to offer customers a hassle-free and efficient way to access personal loans," added Mr. Agarwala.

Through FinBox's multi-lender integration, the platform can match renters and homebuyers with suitable lenders. Additionally, FinBox's data intelligence capabilities contribute to increased loan approval rates on the platform.

"We are thrilled to enable personal loans for one of India's leading real estate platforms. As a technology provider, we are committed to empowering non-financial platforms to offer seamless financial services that are convenient for end customers. We achieve this by creating seamless journeys through advanced technology and a vast network of third-party integrations," said Mr. Rajat Deshpande, CEO of FinBox.

Housing.com revealed that the pre-launch phase of the personal loan service received an overwhelming response, indicating the substantial demand for this innovative offering. Housing.com and FinBox are poised to revolutionize the personal loan industry by providing customers with a seamless and customer-centric borrowing experience.

The platform's dedication to continuous improvement and innovation has positioned it as a leading player in the proptech industry, attracting a significant amount of traffic.

"Housing.com has been at the forefront of the Indian proptech industry, setting new benchmarks through innovative features and services, which has helped us build a loyal customer base. Our commitment to offering new and improved services has made us the top player in the industry, attracting maximum traffic to our platform. Our collaboration with FinBox to provide personal loans is a step in the same direction. The personal loan industry in India is substantial, with a portfolio outstanding of Rs 664.6 K Cr. Through this collaboration, we aim to provide customers with a hassle-free and efficient way to access personal loans. We successfully piloted our lending journey with a small customer base and are now extending it to our entire Housing audience. This partnership with FinBox will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the Indian proptech industry," said Mr. Sangeet Aggarwal, Head of Product & Design at Housing.com.

Annexure:

Process & Eligibility:

The service will be launched under Housing Edge, which offers a comprehensive range of allied services, further reinforcing the platform's commitment to providing customers with a complete suite of services.

The loan application process has been simplified and can be completed in just about 3 minutes. Eligible applicants can view their loan offers immediately upon completing the application. Loan disbursement typically occurs within 24 hours of applying for the loan. This hassle-free process makes it easier for customers to access funds when they need them.

The loan is available to both salaried and self-employed individuals who meet the eligibility criteria, including credit score, credit history, age, and income.

About Housing.com:

Established in 2012 and later acquired by REA India in 2017, Housing.com has emerged as India's foremost comprehensive prop-tech platform for homeowners, home seekers, landlords, developers, and real estate brokers. With an extensive range of listings including new homes, resale homes, rentals, plots, commercial spaces, and co-living spaces throughout India, Housing.com offers unparalleled services in the real estate industry. Powered by robust research, data, and insights, our platform delivers a comprehensive suite of real estate solutions, encompassing advertising, marketing, sales solutions for developers and brokers, personalized search, virtual viewing, AR&VR content, home loans, a variety of DIY services for home owners and seekers, as well as post-transaction services for consumers.

As a subsidiary of REA Group Ltd. (ASX: REA), REA India (formerly known as Elara Technologies Pte. Ltd.) stands as the preeminent real estate technology platform in the country, overseeing Housing.com, Makaan.com, and PropTiger.com. With 24 offices strategically located across India, including our corporate headquarters in Gurugram, Haryana, REA India maintains a national presence, delivering exceptional real estate services to clients.

To explore further information about our company and the wide range of services we offer, kindly visit our website at http://www.housing.com/. 

EnKash Is Unlocking 100% Accuracy In Accounting And Auditing Processes For Businesses Through Its New Platform Olympus

-          A smart digital payments platform especially designed for startups and traditional businesses that seamlessly integrates accounting with   banking

-          Rides on deep integration as a one-stop integrated solution that helps businesses stay on top of their cash flows

-          Reduces Day Sales Outstandings (DSOs) and improves Day Payable Outstanding (DPOs) by 40% for small to mid-size businesses, enabling cost cuts & revenue growth

*  Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uPdieO6CFQI

EnKash, Asia’s 1st and smartest spend Management platform has launched “Olympus,” an industry-first solution that automates business payables and receivables. Mid-size and especially traditional businesses lack experience and accessibility of digital payments considering the high costs and efforts involved. While larger companies get desired technology solutions from banks and their software providers, startups and small to midsize businesses have struggled for a long time.  EnKash’s platform, Olympus, is focused on startups & small to midsize businesses and comes with  “plug & play” integration capability in completely DIY mode.  It seamlessly wraps itself atop any business's existing accounting and enterprise resource planning (ERP) software. It provides a highly cost-effective and superior experience to streamline payables & collections. Businesses can onboard themselves with an easy 2-step process without disrupting their accounting, policies, processes & banking relationships.

Olympus is a powerful technology stack designed to empower businesses with greater efficiency and 100% accuracy in accounting and auditing processes. It also automates cumbersome and repetitive manual processes such as transaction entries, bank reconciliation, payment management, collection management, expense tracking, and invoice management. Current beta customers have reported more than 40% improvement in their processes, bringing close to 50% overall cost savings. Another important aspect reported by customers is mitigating risk and fraud in their business transactions, as Olympus only onboard validated buyers & suppliers and can auto-flag whenever there is a mismatch. As a seamless bridge between accounting and banking, Olympus facilitates end-to-end AP management through features like remittance automation and real-time automated payment entry into the underlying accounting platform. However, its unique selling proposition (USP) is its receivables management feature.

Olympus powers automation built on a bedrock of technology and data. Customers can use the platform to dispatch bulk invoices and attach payment links through a single click. Olympus handles the entire collection cycle, from invoice delivery to payment reminders to real-time reverse entry into the accounting software for online and offline transactions. Smart algorithms integral to the Olympus stack intelligently solve complex reconciliation and reporting tasks. Real-time multi-bank reconciliation is one such feature that helps organizations save multiple man-hours on a daily basis. Additionally, the integrated  analytics dashboards provide detailed MIS to help CXOs and decision-makers derive actionable insights by leveraging the power of data consolidation across multiple aspects of their business

Speaking on the launch, Hemant Vishnoi, Co-founder, EnKash, said, "As one of the highest contributing sectors to the economy, MMEs (Mid-Market Enterprises) need consistent tech empowerment that makes them efficient in their operations. With the launch of Olympus, we have used our team’s experience & expertise to assist them in adopting tech-based solutions. Being pioneers with a steep & long learning curve in this space, the team is doing a fantastic job of providing innovative offerings to businesses that lacked experience and accessibility of financial & non-financial products.” 

The platform enables businesses to set up customized approval matrices to expedite payment approvals without compromising transparency and internal compliance. Its built-in Spends Control feature enables businesses to decentralize their payments by authorizing employees across branches or offices to make business expenses without exceeding the set spending limit.

“Traditionally, businesses have remained highly underserved, as most enterprise-grade banking solutions are designed based on the requirements and budgets of large enterprises. While large enterprises have automated their Accounting, Reconciliation, and Audits via ERP solutions, mid-market enterprises (MMEs) continue to undertake these processes manually. Much of this dependency on manual work in this segment is caused by the exorbitant prices of ERP solutions. At EnKash, we understand this gap in the market and are committed to innovating tech-first products for the mid-sized business segment. It is specially designed to meet Accounts Payable and Account Receivable automation requirements of MMEs and comes at a feasible price to meet their budgets.” Hemant added.

With the launch of Olympus, EnKash continues to introduce innovative customer-first B2B digital banking products for mid-sized businesses. The brand was founded in 2018 by “Payments” industry veterans Naveen Bindal, Hemant Vishnoi, and Yadvendra Tyagi to build ingenious payment digitization and automation solutions in the B2B space for MMEs and Startups.

ideaForge Technology Limited Builds Drone Solutions With Enhanced Payload Capabilities Using Qualcomm Flight RB5 5G Platform

ideaForge, a vertically integrated company equipped with in-house product development centre, which allows the company to design, develop, engineer, and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) is collaborating with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. By incorporating compute hardware from Qualcomm Technologies on-board, ideaForge UAVs will have enhanced payload capabilities.

The integration of the Qualcomm Flight™ RB5 5G Platform has the potential to augment ideaForge's on-board computing capability and enabling enhanced platform applications including object avoidance and path planning. Qualcomm Flight, with its computational hardware, helps in the development of advanced drones for several applications. This will add the capability to host various software modules and features.

Further, it will enable ideaForge to engage with customers in a meaningful way and provide them with the opportunity to experience the benefits of enhanced UAVs.

“We are delighted to be part of this collaboration with ideaForge,” stated Dev Singh, vice president, business development and head of building, enterprise, and industrial automation, Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. "We are excited to help enhance their UAV's capabilities. By combining our compute capabilities with ideaForge's UAV technology, ideaForge intends to enhance operations across various applications."

“The collaboration with ideaForge, not only showcases how Indian companies are developing advanced technology solutions and helping to address real-world challenges, but also emphasizes the country’s design capabilities in India,” said Rajen Vagadia, VP & President, Qualcomm India Pvt. Ltd., and president of SAARC region.

“We are excited to collaborate with Qualcomm Technologies on this project”, said Ankit Mehta, the CEO of ideaForge. Further he added, “With this collaboration we look forward to improving our existing capabilities and further enhancing performance. We are looking forward to utilizing the benefits of the Qualcomm Flight RB5 platform within our UAV technology."

About ideaForge

ideaForge, a vertically integrated company equipped with an in-house product development centre, which allows the Company to design, develop, engineer, and manufacture unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Its UAVs are equipped with industry leading specifications and capabilities, comparable to those of other established global players in the UAV industry. The company is ranked 7th globally in December 2022 in the dual-use category (civil & defense) drone manufacturers by Drone Industry Insights. ideaForge has the largest operational deployment of indigenous UAVs across India, with an ideaForge manufactured drone taking off every five minutes on average for surveillance and mapping applications as of March 31, 2023. ideaForge customers have completed over 350,000 flights using ideaForge UAVs as of March 31, 2023 (Paragraph source: 1Lattice Report). Visit www.ideaforgetech.com to know more!

‘The Edge of Nutrition 2023’ Concludes, Revolutionizing Approaches To Health And Wellness

* Happiest Health's Summit brought together experts to explore the transformative power of nutrition

The Edge of Nutrition 2023’, an enlightening and impactful summit organized by Happiest Health, a leading health and wellness knowledge platform, came to a successful close at the St. John’s Auditorium, here on Wednesday. On the second day of the summit, the participants were treated to an in-depth exploration of diverse aspects of nutrition, shedding light on its pivotal role in attaining and maintaining optimal health and overall well-being.

The summit commenced with an engaging address on "Nutrition Unplugged: Unlocking a Healthier You" delivered by Dr. Rebecca K. Raj, a distinguished Professor and Head of the Division of Nutrition at St. John's Research Institute in Bengaluru. Dr. Raj set the tone for the event by highlighting the importance of understanding the key principles of nutrition for personal well-being and re-learning the ‘ABCD’. “The journey to a healthier your starts with awareness and an aim for a healthy weight and body composition, being physically active and making every bite count, choosing foods sensibly and consuming them consciously, and finally inculcating discipline. Don’t delay, start today,” she said, calling upon the audience to take the first step to good health soon.

Dr. Nihal Thomas, a respected Senior Professor from the Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism at Christian Medical College in Vellore, presented a thought-provoking talk on "Nutrition and the Origin of Diabetes - Disease Disorders, Dreams, and Dunno What...". He shed light on the intricate relationship between nutrition and the onset of diabetes, providing valuable insights how malnutrition also was now one of the reasons causing diabetes.

Addressing the imperative of personalized nutrition for the masses, Dr. Gurmeet Singh, Dean of Research and Outreach at the University of Trans-Disciplinary Health Sciences and Technology in Bengaluru, delivered an informative session titled "Personalizing Nutrition for the Masses." Dr. Singh spoke about ‘AyurAhaar’, which has been curated based on the Ayurvedic texts. Several recipes have also been culled out from these classical texts, he said and emphasized the need to tailor nutrition strategies to individual needs, considering their dosha and ama.

The discussion on children's nutritional needs took center stage with Dr. Supraja Chandrasekhar, Director of Paediatric Services at DHEE Hospitals in Bengaluru, sharing her expertise in the talk "What's On My Child's Plate?". Her enlightening insights offered a fresh perspective on nurturing healthy eating habits in children, emphasizing their long-term impact on overall health and well-being. She advised to parents to ensure their children stayed away from the whites – sugar, salt, flour and not too much of rice and milk. Cautioning them against allowing their wards to watch either the television/ tablets/ smartphones, she stressed on the importance of family meal time and outside play.

The summit took an entertaining turn with Dr. Krish Ashok, renowned author of "Masala Lab: The Science of Indian Cooking," who captivatingly debunked prevailing myths in his talk. His engaging presentation dismantled misconceptions peddled by influencers on social media surrounding nutrition. “Social media content is guilt-shaming people, distorting priorities, inducing stress and more. We must call out pseudoscience and normalize convenience when it comes to food,” he said.

The summit culminated with a captivating discussion on "What you eat is not important” by Pooja Makhija, a celebrated celebrity nutritionist and author. She shared valuable insights and practical tips that could help participants adopt and sustain healthy lifestyle practices, reinforcing the transformative power of nutrition in daily life.

In addition to the thought-provoking sessions, participants, once again, had the opportunity to indulge in a culinary adventure at Eatopia - 2023, a food extravaganza held at the summit. Attendees sampled and feasted on a wide range of delicious and nutritious foods, enhancing their understanding of the intersection between taste and nourishment.

“Over two days, we have witnessed enlightening sessions by some of the best speakers from the field of healthcare, nutrition and health management. Their addresses have surely had a profound impact on all of us, educated and inspired us to work on becoming the best version of ourselves. Be it understanding the impact of the right quantity of nutrients, looking at the optimum sleep hours, an appreciation of what not to eat - for all ages… ‘The Edge of Nutrition 2023’ summit, with the meticulously curated sessions, has successfully achieved its objective of educating, inspiring, and empowering consumers with the right knowledge on Nutrition. Meanwhile, we, at Happiest Health, will continue to spearhead initiatives that empower consumers to take charge of their health and wellness through evidence-based knowledge and expert insights. So, stay tuned for future events and programs aimed at revolutionizing the landscape of health and wellness," said Anindya Chowdhury, President and CEO, Happiest Health.

Ravi Joshi, Chief Editor (Digital), Happiest Health, gave the vote of thanks, bringing down the curtains to the two-day summit.

About Happiest Health:

Happiest Health is a global health & wellness knowledge enterprise promoted by Ashok Soota. Happiest Health provides credible and trustworthy health and wellness knowledge with views from globally renowned experts and doctors. The primary knowledge platforms are the daily newsletter, knowledge website, and monthly print magazine.

Happiest Health embraces scientific knowledge with a keen focus on medical breakthroughs providing kinder, gentler therapies including cell-based treatments. It also has deep coverage of integrated medicine including ayurveda, homoeopathy and naturopathy. Happiest Health’s focus on wellness is holistic and energizing. They live by their Mission Statement: “Better Knowledge. Better Health.” and convey its benefits to all.

For more information visit: The Edge Of Nutrition – 2023

Photo Caption: Dr Rebecca Raj, Head of the Division of Nutrition, St. John’s Medical College and St. John’s Research Institute sharing insights on Nutrition Unplugged-Unlocking A Healthier You.

Photo Caption: Dr Nihal Thomas, Professor Of Endocrinology And Head Of The Department Of Endocrinology At The Christian Medical College, Vellore, speaking at The Edge of Nutrition Summit on Nutrition and the origin of Diabetes.

PVR INOX Rewrites The Movie Munching Rulebook! Across India

~ Recognizing the voice of patrons, PVR INOX announces new offers on F&B~

~Customers can avail of enticing combos, beverages & snacks starting at INR 99 on weekdays between 9AM to 6PM ~

~Weekend offers include unlimited popcorn refills alongside attractively priced family meal combos~

Catering to the vision of audiences, India’s largest multiplex chain PVR INOX Ltd, has announced new attractively priced offers for F&B that can be availed at all PVR INOX cinemas across the country. The announcement aims to enhance the cinematic experience for patrons. Beginning today, moviegoers can purchase food items ranging from hotdogs to burgers, popcorn and sandwiches, beverages and exciting combos starting at just INR 99 from Mondays to Thursdays, 9 AM to 6 PM. Cinephiles who plan to watch films during the weekend can claim Bottomless Popcorn featuring unlimited tub refills along with attractively priced Family Meal Combos, bringing down the F&B spends by as much as 40%

“Resonating with patrons is the key to successfully running a cinema chain. All our efforts are directed towards catering to audiences as we wish to provide them with an unparalleled cinematic experience when they visit our premises. We have been actively listening to consumers' thoughts on our F&B pricing strategy and have therefore curated cost-effective F&B deals that will appeal to moviegoers and also address their concerns.” said Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director, PVR INOX Ltd.

He further added, “Our merger, which placed us amongst the top cinema chains in the world, now offers us a larger canvas, allowing us to cater to a wider segment of the audiences across the country and curate the best offerings for them. We are certain that our reformed packages will appeal to the smaller group-sizes visiting cinemas on weekdays, and the larger groups, including families, who prefer watching films on weekends, ensuring their needs are met. Our endeavour is that all our guests enjoy the best of our F&B offerings, not only the popular cinema snacks, but also the gourmet offerings prepared by our highly skilled team of Chefs. We are delighted to bring in this watershed offering for our guest, and are certain that this would further strengthen our bond with them further. The line-up for the next few Quarters looks phenomenal and we are sure that the excitement of the movies will be well serviced by our newly structured F&B offerings.”     

The slate of films scheduled to release this year will elevate the excitement level of viewers across varied choices. Titles include anticipated Hollywood releases including Mission Impossible 7: Dead Reckoning Part One, Barbie, Oppenheimer, The Marvels, Killers of the Flower Moon, and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, to name a few. We’ll also witness major Bollywood titles like Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahaani, Dunki, Sam Bahadur, Animal, OMG 2, Tiger 3 and Dream Girl 2. There are also widely anticipated Southern films like Pushpa 2, Indian 2, Salaar and Jailer.

PVR announced the new proposition through this tweet - https://twitter.com/_PVRCinemas/status/1679084913851772929?s=20

About PVR INOX:

PVR Limited completed the merger of INOX Leisure Limited, effective February 06, 2023. The merged entity is India's largest film exhibition company, with 1697 screens across 360 properties in 114 cities (India and Sri Lanka). Since their inception, PVR and INOX have created iconic cinema brands with storied histories of achieving significant milestones and setting benchmarks in the film exhibition industry. With a collective heritage of transforming out-of-home entertainment in the country, the merged company offers a wide range of cinema services such as child friendly audis, the latest screening technology, superior sound systems, wide range of F&B offerings, film and non-film content and an array of formats in the premium screen category.

Digital Revolution: thyssenkrupp Industries India And Valmet Combine Forces For IIoT 4.0 Industrial Automation Offerings

thyssenkrupp Industries India and Valmet have signed a cooperation agreement to sell and distribute process automation systems for the energy sector and process industries such as sugar, fertilizers, petrochemicals, and metals in India and other countries. The contract signing ceremony was held on June 26th, 2023, at the Embassy of Finland. 

The collaboration will primarily focus on projects billed through thyssenkrupp, and the first phase will be effective for a period of eight years. By leveraging their respective strengths and expertise, both companies aim to deliver top-notch control and automation solutions, thereby establishing a robust portfolio of Industrial Automation solutions within the realm of IIoT 4.0. 

The partnership between thyssenkrupp Industries India and Valmet goes beyond the cooperation on Valmet DNA Distributed Control System. They plan to work together in areas such as technology innovation, business model development, and customer service.  

The agreement highlights the commitment of thyssenkrupp Industries India and Valmet to become preferred brands for their customers by delivering value and premium solutions. thyssenkrupp Industries India also emphasizes its dedication to expanding its service offerings for both domestic and global customers by developing new solutions. 

“We are very happy to offer to our customers a control system that will work seamlessly with our equipment.  We are delighted to be able to offer this in collaboration with Valmet who are a proven technology leader in this field.  This is in keeping with our strategy to enhance the automation and digital quotient of the products we bring into the market” - said Mr. Vivek Bhatia, Managing Director & CEO, thyssenkrupp Industries India 

“With Valmet as our technology partner, our primary goal is to deliver long-term value and exceptional benefits to our valued customers. Through the partnership, we aim to bring operational efficiency to all our customers.” - said Mr. Abhay Patil, Director – Energy Division, thyssenkrupp Industries India 

“thyssenkrupp’s and Valmet’s offerings complement each other, and with this cooperation we will be able to offer unbeatable value for the end customers. This agreement is an important step for Valmet’s Automation Systems to further increase our market share in India.” - said Mr. Pekko Luumi, Automation Partner Business Director, Energy and Process Systems, Automation Systems Business line, Valmet 

“Valmet is aiming to increase their footprint in the energy sector through various technologies and partnerships. The strategic agreement with thyssenkrupp will strengthen Valmet’s automation business in India and other countries. Moreover, the solution will help to differentiate ourselves among automation solutions and create new technology job opportunities in India.  This is a first step and we look forward to expanding this partnership in other complementing areas.”  - said Mr. Varun Jain, Director, India Region, Asia Pacific, Valmet 

About thyssenkrupp 

thyssenkrupp is an international group of companies comprising largely independent industrial and technology businesses with around 96000 employees. Across 48 countries, it generated sales of €41 billion in fiscal 2021/2022. Its business activities have been bundled into six segments: Materials Services, Industrial Components, Automotive Technology, Steel Europe, Marine Systems, and Multi Tracks. Backed by extensive technological know-how, businesses develop cost-effective and resource-friendly solutions to the challenges of the future. Around 3,600 employees work in research and development at 75 locations all over the world, mainly in the fields of climate protection, the energy transition, digital transformation in the industry, and mobility of the future. The group currently has a portfolio of approximately 18,100 patents and utility models. Under the umbrella brand thyssenkrupp, the group creates long-term value with innovative products, technologies and services and helps make life better for future generations. thyssenkrupp is listed in the MDAX index. thyssenkrupp shares are traded on Frankfurt Stock Exchange (symbol: TKA) and as American depositary receipts (symbol: TKAMY) in the USA“. 

thyssenkrupp Industries India Pvt. Ltd. (tkII) in the last 75 years has grown to become one of the most trusted names in the fields of Boilers & Power plants, Sugar Plants & Machinery, Open Cast Mining & Bulk Material Handling Systems, and Cement Plants & Machinery. With strong foundations and access to world-class technology thyssenkrupp Industries India plant-making capabilities are helping the industry become competitive world over. thyssenkrupp Industries India strategic vision as an EPC Contractor to execute turnkey projects is derived from its core strength of integrated engineering expertise and automation in manufacturing backed by an excellent team of project executives. The company firmly believes in delivering total customer satisfaction spanning from Concept to Commissioning and prompt after-sales service. thyssenkrupp Industries India highly competent project management capabilities are a result of its tradition of anticipating and fulfilling specific customer requirements. A highly qualified team of engineers and technicians, supported by the most modern IT infrastructure ensures the brand of quality that thyssenkrupp is known for worldwide. The emergence of a true market leader speaks volumes about the world-class technology inherent in the company's products. The company's nationwide branch network along with the support of thyssenkrupp’s global establishments enables it to meet the needs of customers on time. 

Follow thyssenkrupp Industries India Pvt. Ltd. on https://thyssenkrupp-industries-india.com/