IIIT-B's Van Samridhi Ujjwala Plants 77 Trees For A Greener Future

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore’s (IIIT-B) tree plantation drive, 'Van Samridhi Ujjwala,' saw the planting of 77 tree saplings today to mark the 77th Independence Day of India.  The event, which took place at the picturesque SundaraVana on the Somasundara Palya Lake Bed, commenced at 08:45 AM, marking a significant step in IIIT-B's commitment to environmental conservation.

As the sun began to rise over the tranquil surroundings of SundaraVana, the stage was set for IIIT-B's Van Samridhi Ujjwala drive. With the cool morning breeze carrying a sense of anticipation, students, faculty, and staff of IIIT-B gathered to partake in this impactful initiative. The tree plantation drive was a culmination of IIIT-B's efforts to channel the proceeds from the responsible disposal of recyclable plastic towards acquiring and planting tree saplings.

Professor Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-B, expressed his excitement about the initiative saying, "Van Samridhi Ujjwala encapsulates our institution's core values of environmental stewardship and sustainability. Through this endeavor, we not only make a positive impact on our immediate surroundings but also underscore the importance of responsible waste management. Our commitment to this cause is resolute, as we endeavor to create a greener and healthier planet for current and future generations."

'Van Samridhi Ujjwala's initiative is a tangible symbol of the institute's unwavering dedication to nurturing the environment. The institute's commitment extends beyond mere tree planting, it encompasses the nurturing and growth of these saplings into healthy trees. IIIT-B's pledge to tend to these trees is a reflection of the institution's overarching philosophy of giving back to nature in a reciprocal manner.

In a world grappling with the consequences of environmental degradation, IIIT-B's Van Samridhi Ujjwala serves as an inspiring example of how academia can play an active role in addressing pressing global challenges. Through initiatives like these, IIIT-B aims to create a ripple effect of awareness, encouraging individuals and institutions to take meaningful steps towards a sustainable future.

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

“Gaming And Gamification To Play A Key Role In The Prosperity And Stability Of Society” : Zupee's Dilsher At G20-DIA Summit, Bangalore

During the G20-Digital Innovation Alliance (DIA) Summit held in Bengaluru, a panel discussion titled "Navigating Startup Success in Global Markets" showcased esteemed founders. Among them were Ankit Fatehpuria from Zetwork, Prashant Pitti of EaseMyTrip, Dilsher Singh Malhi Founder and CEO of Zupee, Sandeep Aggarwal CEO of Droom, and Nilesh Patel from LeadSquared. The discussion explored India's global digital initiatives and offered insights into the realm of startups. The G20 Digital Innovation Alliance aims to recognize and support innovators that have digital solutions for various world economies.

Among these discussions, Dilsher Singh Malhi, Founder and CEO of Zupee, brought forth valuable perspectives on how study of human behavior, potential of gamification and use of technology can help transform businesses and offer innovations that simplify, engage, entertain and upskill. With a constant desire to create something that enriches the quality of life and brings moments of happiness, he embarked on the realm of gaming and integrated behavioral science and technology at Zupee to offer skill-based casual and board games as means of meaningful entertainment.

He highlighted the fundamental human need for engagement and spotlighted gaming's role in fulfilling this need. Dilsher also explained the concept of gamification, he said it's not just about winning points or prizes, It's about making activities so engaging that they become an experience in themselves. Dilsher provided examples of how gamification is deeply rooted in human history, enabling the teaching of critical skills through games and also emphasized the importance of gamification in skill acquisition, especially in the face of advancing technology. 

Manipal Universal Press (MUP) Teams Up With Taylor & Francis (T&F) For Global Academic Publications

Manipal Universal Press (MUP), the esteemed publication house of the Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), has joined hands with the renowned Taylor & Francis Group (T&F) for an exciting new partnership in the realm of academic publications.

Commenting on the partnership, Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, the Vice Chancellor of MAHE said, “MUP has always been a hub of diverse academic works, spanning across fields from Medicine and Engineering to Management, Education, Humanities, and Social Sciences. We are excited to take this academic journey to the international stage, courtesy of our co-publishing collaboration with T&F. This is fantastic news for budding scholars and seasoned experts alike across India. In a ground-breaking start to this partnership, we are proud to announce the release of two outstanding books this month. Leading the pack is the internationally acclaimed National Research Professor M S Valiathan's major work "Ayurvedic Inheritance – A Reader’s Companion," which became globally available on August 7th through Routledge. Following suit is "Reimagining Border in Cross-border Education," a thought-provoking compilation edited by the brilliant minds of Neeta Inamdar, Professor and Head of Manipal Centre for European Studies (MCES), MAHE and Pranjali Kirloskar, formerly a faculty member at MCES. But that's just the beginning!”

MUP’s collaboration with T&F is already in full swing, bringing forth a host of captivating titles soon. Imagine diving into the world of "Early Buddhist Artisans and their Architectural Vocabulary" by the accomplished Late S Settar, a leading historian of India, or exploring "The Word in the World" with essays by H S Shiva Prakash, a well-known poet and playwright, edited by Kamalakar Bhat, Professor of English Literature. Other major works include "Multivalence of an Epic – Retellings of Ramayana in South India and South-east Asia," an enriching compilation edited by the Parul Pandya Dhar, Professor of History at Delhi University and well-published author.

This partnership between MUP and T&F is more than just a collaboration; it's an invitation to all corners of the globe to share in the wealth of knowledge these academic publications offer. It is not just expanding MUP’s horizons – but building bridges between ideas and cultures, nurturing the growth of academia worldwide. For MUP, this partnership marks a monumental step in its journey as a publishing powerhouse. MAHE is elated to contribute to the academic landscape and are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to bring many more books by authors from every nook and cranny of the diverse country.

Kotak Silk Celebrates Inspirational Women Champions

* Associates with BookMyShow for R Balki’s movie ‘Ghoomer’; offers a special cash back on the tickets

Kotak Silk, an exclusive banking programme designed to partner women in their journey towards financial independence, today announced its association with BookMyShow for R Balki’s movie Ghoomer, to celebrate inspiring women champions. With this association, Kotak Silk Platinum Debit Card customers will enjoy a special cashback of up to Rs. 250 on BookMyShow for ticket bookings of Ghoomer from 17th to 21st August, 2023. Kotak Silk caters to women from all walks of life, helping them Save, Invest, Protect as well as Indulge, as they pursue their ambitions.

Directed by R Balki, starring Abhishek Bachchan, Shabana Azmi, Saiyami Kher and Angad Bedi, Ghoomer features a young female batting prodigy who loses her hand, and goes against all odds to play for the Indian cricket team. Kotak Silk salutes women for being an inspiration and supports every woman in her journey towards achieving her dreams. The association showcases Kotak Silk’s commitment towards women empowerment and encourages them to pursue their goals through financial freedom.  

Rohit Bhasin, President, Retail Liabilities Product and Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank, said, “Kotak Silk has been designed keeping in mind the needs of the new age woman and has witnessed a resounding success owing to its unique customer-centric features. We are proud to associate with an inspiring movie Ghoomer. The film’s premise aligns with our commitment to empower women to achieve more, making it inspirational for all Kotak Silk customers.”

The programme offers women a host of benefits through partnerships with Urban Company, BookMyShow and Nykaa, rewards on Debit card and FD like interest with ActivMoney. In addition, Kotak Silk’s also offers special pricing on safe-deposit Lockers, Gold Loan, Two-Wheeler Loan, Personal Loan & Car Loan. Kotak Silk endeavours to help women customers master the art of personal finance with @silk.moneymatters, an Instagram community for women. The product also offers a dedicated query resolution desk especially for women.

About Kotak Mahindra Group

Established in 1985, Kotak Mahindra Group is one of India's leading financial services conglomerates. In February 2003, Kotak Mahindra Finance Ltd. (KMFL), the Group's flagship company, received banking license from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), becoming the first non-banking finance company in India to convert into a bank - Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd (KMBL).

Kotak Mahindra Group (Group) offers a wide range of financial services that encompass every sphere of life. From commercial banking to stock broking, mutual funds, life and general insurance and investment banking, the Group caters to the diverse financial needs of individuals and the corporate sector. The premise of Kotak Mahindra Group’s business model is concentrated India, diversified financial services. The bold vision that underscores the Group’s growth is an inclusive one, with a host of products and services designed to address the needs of the unbanked and insufficiently banked.

Kotak Mahindra Group has a global presence through its subsidiaries in UK, USA, Gulf Region, Singapore and Mauritius with offices in London, New York, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Singapore and Mauritius respectively. As on 30th June, 2023, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,788 branches and 3,047 ATMs, and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai).

For more information, visit the Company’s website at https://www.kotak.com

Kaleesuwari's New Commercial Rolls Out A Special Offer With Nykaa

Kaleesuwari Refinery Private Limited has released a 25-second TV commercial in Kannada and Tamil. First-of-its-kind offer from Kaleesuwari group offers its customers a Rs 300 worth Nykaa Voucher on the purchase of 5L Gold Winner jar. The video, which features a mother-daughter duo explains the unique offer while purchasing a 5L Gold Winner Jar. 

The video starts off with the daughter, holding a phone in hand, asking the mom if she is ready. The mother seated with a kitchen background asks if she could share a beauty tip which no one has shared so far. She then goes on to reveal that with every purchase of Gold Winner 5 L jar, Rs 300/- worth of Nykaa gift vouchers would be given. While the daughter looks absolutely thrilled with the offer, the mother explains how the label should be peeled for the unique code, the QR code on the label should be scanned and details should be entered to receive the Nykaa Voucher code via SMS. Customers can visit Nykaa’s website or App to redeem the same, she adds. The video ends with the mother and daughter celebrating saying they could purchase makeup and dress items from Nykaa.  

The offer, available for purchases made in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala is a limited Period offer. 

Elaborating on the offer, Tyron Doll, Vice President – Marketing, Kaleesuwari Refinery Private Limited said, “Gold Winner is happy to announce this value-addition offer. The relationship of Gold Winner, a mother-daughter duo engaging in a candid conversation brings about the essence of a deep bond that the duo share. We at the house of Kaleesuwari also aim at developing a long-lasting bond with consumers. Now with Nykaa’s association, I’m very sure that every household would opt for this exclusive offer.”  

Tamil Ad - https://youtu.be/LTDnft8VkV8 

Kannada Ad - https://youtu.be/NFDvQj_70aU 

Yulu Partners With Zepto To Scale Green Hyperlocal Deliveries

*  Yulu’s convenient shared electric two-wheeler rental service, powered by Yuma Energy’s vast battery charging and swapping network, will address the hyperlocal delivery category’s need for quicker turnaround times.

*  The partnership underlines the commitment of both companies to support and enhance green deliveries across the country.

*  Yulu aims to deploy 20,000 shared DeX EVs for Zepto’s delivery partners under the partnership.

Yulu, India’s largest shared electric two-wheeler mobility player, today announced a partnership with Zepto, India’s fastest growing e-grocery service. The association will expand Yulu’s presence in the fast-growing hyperlocal delivery category in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Delhi, and Gurugram, while enabling Zepto to move to an all-electric vehicle fleet and maximise green deliveries.

The partnership will see Yulu deploying 20,000 next-generation shared DeX EVs for Zepto’s delivery partners. This will create sustainable livelihoods for these partners, especially those who don’t have a driving license or a vehicle of their own. Under the terms of the synergistic partnership, Yulu and Zepto will promote each other’s products and services across offline and online touchpoints. By using Yulu’s affordable and shared mobility services, these riders will be empowered to earn and save more. The association is also expected to encourage more women to choose delivery as a profession. 

Mr. Pradeep Puranam, Head – Revenue and Operations at Yulu, said, “We are elated to announce our association with Zepto. Partnerships like these reaffirm Yulu’s commitment to powering green and sustainable deliveries across the country. Our full-stack micro-mobility solution improves operational efficiencies for hyperlocal logistics companies and lowers their delivery costs, while simultaneously unlocking better livelihoods and earnings for their delivery partners. We look forward to jointly working with Zepto to make hyperlocal deliveries greener, smarter, and more inclusive.”

Vikas Sharma, COO of Zepto said, “At Zepto, we are committed to building next-generation last-mile delivery- a model rooted in opportunity, efficiency and sustainability. Our operations have been true to this promise since day 1. A majority of Zepto deliveries now are powered by environment-friendly vehicles. Partnerships like these not only help us further this effort but also help bring in a workforce by providing them with vehicles, thereby increasing employability. We are excited to unlock the next milestone in sustainable deliveries with Yulu.

SpringML Announces Merger With Egen, Establishing Powerful Technology Services Company Unleashing The Power Of Data And AI

* Merger Strengthens End-to-End Cloud And Data Capabilities To Enable Organizations Along Their Data- Driven Digital Journeys

SpringML, a technology services company with leading cloud, data engineering, analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, today announced its merger with Egen, a cloud migration, application modernization and platform engineering provider. The combination of Egen's cloud and platform engineering expertise with SpringML’s data, analytics and AI capabilities creates a provider with end-to-end capabilities across the cloud, data, analytics, AI, and platform engineering spectrum. The combined business will have all the capabilities necessary to increase the value and accelerate the timeline of the data-driven digital journeys of private and public sector clients. Egen and SpringML together will represent one of the largest independent players in the Google Cloud ecosystem, with deep expertise across the most critical aspects of cloud and data transformation.

Recognize, a technology services investment firm, is the lead investor for the transaction. Going forward, the combined company will operate under the Egen brand, with Saleem Janmohamed, an Operating Partner with Recognize assuming the additional role of Chairman and CEO of the newly- merged company. Prior to Recognize, Saleem spent 32 years at Accenture in various senior leadership roles. Most recently, Saleem served as US West Market Unit Lead and member of the Global Management Committee where he had strategic, financial, and operational responsibility for Accenture’s business in the region across all industries and services.

“Leaders of every organization are trying to figure out how to navigate the advances in cloud and data technologies, including generative AI, to fuel their data-driven digital journeys. By combining the strengths and depth of talent from Egen with SpringML, we are better positioned to help our clients tap into the unlimited potential of AI powered solutions that will revolutionize industries, drive growth, enhance operational performance, and empower people,” said Janmohamed.

Raghu Potini, Founder of Egen, will take on the role of President for Commercial Digital Services. Founded in 2010, Egen provides cloud migration, application modernization and platform engineering services to several healthcare, retail, and consumer manufacturing companies based in the US. Top clients trust the Egen team of more than 300 cloud and platform engineers to help them pursue the extraordinary. 

“Joining forces with SpringML is an exciting milestone for Egen. We share a common vision of harnessing the power of data to drive transformative outcomes for our clients. As one united entity under the Egen banner, we are poised to accelerate innovation and deliver even greater value to our clients,” said Potini.

Founded in 2015, SpringML has experienced rapid growth over the past few years and is a leader in both the Google Cloud and Salesforce platforms. The company spearheads critical projects across sophisticated enterprise, public sector, and emerging organizations – including Fortune 500 brands – with deep expertise in healthcare, high tech, and public sector in particular. In October 2021, Recognize announced its initial strategic investment in SpringML. 

“The SpringML merger with Egen reflects Recognize’s mission to create the next generation of great technology services companies. The combination of the companies enhances their competitiveness in helping organizations unleash the power of data and insights to create action and drive performance. Together, they bring exceptional capabilities across the full technology spectrum from cloud platforms to applications powered by data and AI," said Frank D'Souza, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Recognize.

"Google Cloud partners like SpringML and Egen are adding value for clients every day," said Kevin Ichhpurani, Corporate Vice President, Global Ecosystem and Channels of Google Cloud. "These partners have a significant opportunity to scale their innovation and services delivery, particularly as clients across industries accelerate their data- and AI-driven transformations."

Connect with us at the upcoming Google Cloud Next 2023 conference in San Francisco. Egen will exhibit under the SpringML brand at Booth #430. For more information visit www.egen.solutions. 

DBS And Infor Nexus™ Collaborate To Enhance SME Cashflows With Data-Based Trade Financing Solutions

* Partnership will enable SME suppliers to gain access to timely working capital and capture business opportunities

* One of the first banks to provide pre-to-post shipment financing solutions driven by alternative platform data

Infor Nexus™ and DBS Bank, in partnership, have announced the launch of pre-shipment financing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) suppliers in the Infor Nexus™ supply chain ecosystem. This pathbreaking solution utilises historical data from the Infor Nexus™ platform to provide data-based lending solutions that help suppliers meet their working capital requirements. While post-shipment financing solutions already exist in the market, pre-shipment financing is a game changer as it allows suppliers to use their enhanced cashflows to fulfil orders before goods are delivered to buyers.

The partnership between DBS Bank and Infor Nexus™ was, until now, primarily focused on availing early payments to the suppliers on a post-shipment basis. The latest trade financing solution completes the entire pre-shipment and post-shipment financing cycle, establishing a robust end-to-end digital working capital financing solution. The offering builds upon the industry-leading digital trade financing capabilities of DBS, which have been seamlessly integrated into the Infor Nexus™ network since 2020. The Bank will use alternative supply chain data, such as historical and real-time milestone information on the physical movement of goods from the Infor Nexus™ platform.

The trade financing solution has been extended to SMEs in India, primarily in the apparel, footwear and textile industries, which are major growth sectors for the economy. As part of the Infor Nexus™ ecosystem, DBS Bank will underwrite the trade financing facility applications of prospective SME suppliers. The analytics-based data will act as the primary means to assess the risk and creditworthiness of suppliers instead of traditional documentation[1], which often results in many suppliers being underfunded or facing challenges in accessing necessary working capital. By obtaining financing for pending orders, even before invoices are confirmed, suppliers can mitigate cashflow needs that occur between shipment, delivery and when the payment is received. DBS is one of the first banks to offer such a unique solution, which has the potential to revolutionise SME financing.

Speaking on the partnership, Divyesh Dalal, MD and Head, Global Transaction Services, DBS Bank India said, “We are proud to partner with Infor Nexus™ to launch a one-of-a-kind, end-to-end working capital financing solution for SME & MSME suppliers. DBS Bank understands the critical importance of working capital requirements for small businesses to scale up in their respective industries. The innovative e2e working capital finance offering will not only address the manufacturer’s cashflow needs to produce goods (per PO) but also enable them to collect export proceeds in a timely and cost-effective manner through a trusted partner – Infor Nexus™. The availability of Purchase Order finance fulfils a long unmet need of the SME/MSME manufacturer. Leveraging our robust digital capabilities and Asian connectivity, this ecosystem partnership reinforces our dedication to business transformation through data insights and digital technology, connecting multinational anchors with SME suppliers at a significant scale, unlocking new avenues of growth.”

Gary Schneider, VP Financial Services, Infor Nexus™ said, “This new offering demonstrates how data can transform supply chain finance. The pre-to-post shipment financing will enable Infor Nexus™ to provide a complete and integrated solution to improve supply chain efficiency and suppliers’ cash flow. By partnering with DBS, Southeast Asia’s largest bank, we will bring a dependable and efficient source of capital to our customers, extending the range of attractive supplier financing options, such as purchase order financing, invoice invoicing and sustainable supply chain financing, to deliver added value to more suppliers on our platform.”

DBS Bank is committed to supporting SMEs as they navigate the ever-changing economic landscape with solutions that enable them to future-proof their businesses. The expanded network of DBS Bank India with ~530 branches across 350+ locations has resulted in more physical touchpoints for SMEs across the country, complementing the bank’s awarded digital offering. The DBS branch presence in India now covers more than 100 SME hubs and more than 80% of the addressable SME market in the country. Leveraging the power of its data-driven digital platform for customer onboarding and servicing, DBS Bank India has successfully achieved a 100% digital onboarding rate, with 85% of transactions now conducted digitally. The Bank’s approach of fostering ecosystem partnerships opens up business opportunities and enables enterprises to unleash their full growth potential.

About DBS

DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.

Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 14 consecutive years from 2009 to 2022. Additionally, DBS Bank was ranked among the top 3 on Forbes' list of the World's Best Banks in India for three consecutive years, from 2020 to 2022.

DBS Bank has been present in India for 29 years, opening its first office in Mumbai in 1994. DBS Bank India Limited is the first among the large foreign banks in India to start operating as a wholly-owned, locally incorporated subsidiary of a leading global bank. DBS provides a range of banking services for large, medium, and small enterprises and individual consumers in India. In November 2020, Lakshmi Vilas Bank was merged with DBS Bank India Limited. The bank now has a network of ~530 branches in 19 Indian states.

As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience. In 2020, DBS introduced the "Towards Zero Food Waste" initiative as part of a global sustainability practice to encourage a shift in behaviours and mindsets to reduce food waste.

With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, visit: ?www.dbs.com/India

About Infor Nexus™

Infor Nexus™ is the leading global supply chain platform.  Infor Nexus connects a network of over 85,000 brands, retailers, manufacturers, suppliers, logistics providers and banks on single-instance network platform to seamlessly orchestrate global supply chain processes from source through to delivery and payment. Companies streamline their operations, eliminating inefficiencies and waste while gaining data-driven insights and optimise the flow of capital for improved agility, resilience, and sustainability.

For over twenty years, Infor Nexus has connected companies to their network partners to automate global trade processes, including procure to pay automation, transportation management, supplier collaboration, trade finance and supply chain visibility. Recognising the importance of the availability of capital in supply chains, Infor Nexus uniquely connects banks and supply chains, integrating trade finance to supply chain processes providing greater opportunities for banks to provide needed capital at various points throughout the transaction lifecycle, improve and reduce risk, improve performance and the financial health of supply chain networks.  

Global Fintech Fest 2023 Set To Emerge As World’s Largest Thought Leadership Platform

The Global Fintech Fest (GFF), emerging as the world’s largest fintech conference, is back with its second physical edition. GFF 2023 is scheduled on September 5 – 7, 2023, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai. The theme of this year’s conference is ‘Global Collaboration for a Responsible Financial Ecosystem: Inclusive | Resilient | Sustainable’.

GFF 2023 is supported by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MietY), the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) and is organized by the Payments Council of India (PCI), Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), and National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Among the leading international agencies which are partnering with GFF 2023 are the World Bank, the Global Knowledge Partnership on Migration and Development (KNOMAD), the Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP), and Women’s World Banking. Australia, Brazil, Great Britain, Germany and Israel are the Country Partners of GFF 2023.

Among stalwarts from India who will share their insights at the GFF 2023 are Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of Finance, Government of India; Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister for Commerce and Industry, Textiles and Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Government of India; Shri Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India; Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch, Chairperson, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI); Shri Debasish Panda, Chairperson, Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI); Shri K Rajaraman, Chairperson, International Financial Services Centre Authority (IFSCA); Dr. Vivek Joshi, Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, Shri Dinesh Kumar Khara, Chairman, State Bank of India Mr. Vijay Shekhar Sharma Founder & CEO, Paytm; Mr. Kunal shah Founder, CRED and many other policymakers, regulators and industry captains.

Not only from India, global luminaries from the fintech and finance ecosystem will also converge at GFF 2023. Among them will be: Mr. Maha Prasad Adhikari, Governor, Nepal Rastra Bank; Dr. Maxwell Opoku-Afari, First Deputy Governor, Bank of Ghana; Soraya M Hakuziyaremye , Board Vice-Chairperson and Deputy Governor, National Bank of Rwanda; Mr. Aleksi Grym, Head of Fintech, Bank of Finland; Mr. Eduardo Enrique Torres Llosa Villacorta, General Manager, Central Bank of Peru; H.E. Khaled Al Basias, Director Financial Sector Development, Saudi Central Bank; Ms. Doris Dietze, Head of Division, Federal Ministry of Finance, Germany; Mr. Masaki Bessho, Head of FinTech Centre, Payment & Settlement Systems Department, Bank of Japan; Mr. Andy White, Chief Executive Officer, Australian Payments Network (AusPayNet) and Mr. Thomas Kurian, Chief Executive Officer, Google Cloud.

Highlights of Global Fintech Festival 2023:

3 days | 13 tracks | 800+ Speakers | 15+ Thought Leadership Reports |81 Academic Papers| 50+ Workshops | 125+ Countries | 250+ Sessions | 250+ Investors |500+ exhibitors |150K Sq. Ft Exhibition Area|3 Hackathons| 50000+ Delegates  

Explaining the key objective and vision of GFF 2023, Mr. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Chair, Advisory Board, GFF 2023, Chairman Axilor Ventures and Co-founder Infosys, said, “At the Global Fintech Fest 2023, we converge as orchestrators of transformation, bringing together diverse stakeholders onto one platform to engage in discussions and debates concerning the future of the industry. Our vision extends further than just embracing innovation; it encompasses nurturing ingenuity within our startup community, cultivating an environment where every stakeholder can flourish and be part of a journey towards building an ecosystem that fosters growth, inclusivity, and collaborative progress.”

“The Global Fintech Fest has been a testament to the fintech community's prowess, showcasing success stories and milestones that inspire us all. Our commitment to promoting collaboration, innovation, and growth has never been stronger. Through this platform, we invite industry leaders, startups, and investors to seize networking opportunities and forge partnerships that will define the future of finance. Together, we will embrace cutting-edge technologies, data privacy and cybersecurity as the cornerstones of trust in our evolving landscape," said Ms. Praveena Rai, Chief Operating Officer, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).

Mr. G Padmanabhan, Former Executive Director, Reserve Bank of India, Former Chairman, Bank of India and Advisory Board Member, Global Fintech Fest 2023, underlined how the conference was aligned with India’s economic progress: “Global Fintech Fest 2023 is going to be the most vibrant celebration of the industry’s exponential growth. We aim to create more than just a fintech engine and the event is expected to architect a powerhouse that would propel India towards a $30 trillion developed economy by 2047. In this endeavour, we are committed to establishing a sustainable, inclusive, and affordable ecosystem that serves as the destination of first choice for foreign capital to invest and participate in India's transformation into a developed nation”

"The fest since its inception has been showcasing breakthroughs and fostering connections that transcend boundaries. In an era where partnerships drive prosperity, this gathering empowers us to pioneer solutions that navigate regulatory complexities, ensuring a nurturing environment for fintech's growth. As we celebrate women in fintech, in GFF 2023, we acknowledge their pivotal role and strive to amplify their influence. The fest's interactive workshops offer a first-hand glimpse into fintech's dynamic landscape, where technology is not just a tool, but a transformative force. We honour exceptional contributions, driving our industry forward, and emphasize that data privacy, cybersecurity, and trust aren't just buzzwords – they're the foundations of fintech's future," said    Mr. Srinivas Jain, Executive Director & Head of Strategy, SBI Mutual Fund and Advisory Board Member, Global Fintech Fest 2023.

Mr. Naveen Surya, Organiser and Advisory Board Member, GFF 2023 and Chairman, Fintech Convergence Council said, "India has proven its leadership in the international fintech landscape by being the 3rd largest ecosystem in the world. As our country gears up to move up to the largest top three economies, the fintech ecosystem would also play an important role and is all geared up for global leadership. Global Fintech Fest 2023 is our effort towards setting up India as the largest thought leadership platform and collaborating with the world and also fostering responsible innovation. We are looking forward to working with the global fintech ecosystem and delivering a future-proof model suitable for the two third of the financially excluded population across the globe."

While PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) is the Knowledge Partner of GFF 2023, the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is the thought leadership partner.

Global Fintech Fest 2023 will witness policymakers, regulators, administrators, and industry leaders from India and around the world engaging in invigorating discussions on fostering extensive collaboration for a robust and resilient financial ecosystem.

Also instituted under the GFF 2023 are the Global Fintech Awards (GFA), which honour and celebrate the success of fintech companies worldwide. GFA recognize outstanding emerging start-ups, disruptive technologies, unique business models and innovative founders and entrepreneurs across the globe. Fintech companies, financial institutions and start-ups can nominate their works for Fintech Awards in 21 diverse subcategories under 3 classifications.

For more information on the conference, live agenda and list of speakers visit the website: Global Fintech Fest 2023.

UPL SAS Signs MoU With NSL Sugars To Enhance Farmers Yield And Promote Sustainable Agri Practices

~ Will jointly implement Shashwat Mithas initiative benefitting 15000 farmers covering 30000 acres through improved income and profits~

~ Aims to increase yield by 15% through optimum utilisation of natural resources and use of revolutionary Pronutiva package including Zeba Technolgy ~

UPL Sustainable Agriculture Solutions Ltd. (UPL SAS), a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, keeping the “Farmers First’ approach, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with NSL Sugars Ltd (NSL), one of the leading sugar producers in the country, for Sustainable Sugarcane Production. The collaboration is also aimed at promoting green agriculture through optimised usage of natural resources. The MOU with NSL will indirectly add approx. 50000 beneficiaries across three states of Telangana, Karnataka and Maharashtra and will encompass an impacted area of nearly 1 lakh acres. This partnership between UPL SAS and ASL Sugars brings forth mutual benefits. UPL SAS gains market penetration while ASL Sugars reaps the advantages of sustainable sugarcane cultivation. This creates a win-win situation for the entire ecosystem of the sugar value chain, including customers seeking to purchase sustainable sugar.

The primary objective of this partnership is to achieve a minimum 15% increase in yield per acre, equating to approximately 5 metric tons per acre, resulting in an additional income of INR 12,000 to 15,000 for farmers. This also aims at significantly reducing input costs for farmers while promoting sustainable agri practices. This collaborative effort is expected to save an estimated 6 lakh liters of water and 50 kilograms of urea per acre thus promoting green agriculture practices and reducing environmental impact.

This collaboration serves as an extension of UPL SAS's Shashwat Mithaas – Sustainable Sugar Program initiative, which has already made significant strides in Pune, Maharashtra, covering over 10,000 acres. Over the course of three years, UPL SAS and NSL will take this collaboration to the next level by implementing the program in a phased manner. The initial phase will cover 30,000 acres in the first year, gradually expanding to encompass the entire operational area.

The anticipated impact of the program on the initial 30,000 acres is significant. It is expected to conserve approximately 1,800 crore litres of water, amounting to approximately 6 lakh litres per acre. Additionally, the program aims to save 1,500 metric tons of urea consumption, approximately 50 kilograms per acre, resulting in a 25% reduction in nitrous oxide (GHG) emissions. Nitrous oxide is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide. This collaboration between UPL and NSL demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable practices in sugarcane cultivation, highlighting their dedication to conserving resources, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable farming methods.

NSL Group Chairman, Mr. Govinda Rajulu Chintala, said, At NSL Group, our utmost dedication revolves around providing the best possible solutions to our farmers through strong engagement and collaboration. We firmly believe that adopting sustainable farming practices is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by our farmers in Sugarcane cultivation. By implementing environmentally-friendly methods, we aim to maximize cane production per acre, leading to improved yields and increased income for our esteemed farmers. This partnership signifies a significant stride towards empowering our farmers and securing a prosperous and sustainable future for Sugarcane farming.

President Global Corporate & Industry Affairs at UPL ltd , Mr. Sagar Kaushik said, Our unwavering commitment to sustainability continues to be at the forefront of our priorities. We remain steadfast in our dedication to the prosperity and welfare of our primary stakeholders: the farmers. Through the implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, we aim to foster a harmonious relationship between farming and the environment. The introduction of our sustainable sugarcane program marks the initial phase of our expansive vision. Looking ahead, we are determined to extend these sustainable interventions to encompass a wider range of crops, as we endeavor to redefine sustainability across the entire food value chain.

Addressing the shortage of sugarcane in the market, this partnership will ensure sufficient cane availability to sugar mills, supporting the industry's needs and stabilizing the supply chain. The MoU will also provide sustainable solutions to the Sugarcane farmers with end to end intervention in terms of advisory of Good Agronomical Practices (GAP), implementation of ProNutiva (Complete Crop protection and Nutrition Package), mechanization in terms of planters, earthing up machines and boom Sprayers, insurance and traceability through Nurture.farm app, to ensure implementation of sustainable sugarcane.

CEO, UPL SAS ltd- Ashish Dobhal said, “Through our collaboration, we aim to enhance the livelihoods of farmers, mitigate environmental impact, and ensure the availability of quality sugarcane to meet market demands. The Pronutiva package and the revolutionary Zeba’s technology play a pivotal role in increasing crop yield and improving soil health, thereby completely transforming the sugarcane harvesting process. This comprehensive package offers immense benefits to farmers, including increased productivity and profitability, while also contributing to environmental sustainability. By joining forces, UPL SAS and NSL Sugars are spearheading sustainable advancements in the sugarcane industry, benefiting farmers, the environment, and the entire value chain.”

About UPL

UPL Ltd. (NSE: UPL & BSE: 512070) is a global provider of sustainable agriculture products and solutions, with annual revenue exceeding $5.2 billion. We are a purpose-led company. Through OpenAg™, UPL is focused on accelerating progress for the food system. We are building a network that is reimagining sustainability, redefining the way an entire industry thinks and works – open to fresh ideas, innovation and new answers as we strive towards our mission to make every single food product more sustainable. As one of the largest agriculture solutions companies worldwide, our robust portfolio consists of biologicals and traditional crop protection solutions with more than 14,000 registrations. We are present in more than 130 countries, represented by more than 10,000 colleagues globally. For more information about our integrated portfolio of solutions across the food value chain including seeds, post-harvest, as well as physical and digital services, please visit upl-ltd.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

Yatharth Hospitals Reports Robust Revenue Growth Of 39% YoY To Rs. 1,545 Mn; EBITDA Up By 61% YoY; PAT Up By 73% YoY

Yatharth Hospital and Trauma Care Services Ltd, one of the leading private super specialty hospitals in Delhi NCR, announced its financial results today for the quarter ended June 30, 2023.

Key Highlights for the Quarter

·         Operational Revenue was Rs. 1,545 mn, up 39% YoY and 7% QoQ

·         Bed occupancy was at 51%, compared to 49% in Q4FY23 and 40% in Q1FY23

·         ARPOB increased to Rs. 28,140, compared to Rs. 27,706 in Q4FY23 and Rs. 26,457 in Q1FY23

·         EBITDA was Rs. 414 mn, up 61% YoY and 8% QoQ

·         EBITDA margin expanded by 368 bps YoY and 5 bps QoQ to 26.8%

·         PAT was Rs. 190 mn, up 73% YoY and 10% QoQ

Commenting on the performance, Mr. Yatharth Tyagi, Whole Time Director, Yatharth Hospital and Trauma Care Services Ltd said, “This quarter marked a pivotal landmark for our organization with a successful listing on the stock exchanges. We are pleased to report robust performance in our maiden quarter. Our revenue grew by 39% YoY to Rs. 1,545 mn, while our PAT increased by 73% YoY. During the quarter, Yatharth Hospitals registered one of the highest year-on-year growth rates in the hospital industry. Our ongoing investments reflect a strategic approach to nurturing well-balanced future growth, exemplified by ongoing expansion initiatives, both organic and inorganic.

We continue to diversify our specialty mix and introduce new specialties across all our hospitals. The past few quarters witnessed a successful ramp-up of our organ transplant and oncology treatments. We are further strengthening our specialties, offering a full suite of oncology treatments, and expanding our organ transplant operations, which is expected to drive ARPOB improvement in the upcoming quarters.

About Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services Ltd:

Yatharth Hospital & Trauma Care Services Limited (Yatharth Hospitals) operates three super specialty hospitals located in National Capital Region of Delhi (“Delhi NCR”), i.e., at Noida, Greater Noida and Noida Extension, Uttar Pradesh. Its Noida Extension Hospital and Greater Noida is the 8th and 10th largest private hospital in the Delhi NCR, respectively, in terms of number of beds in Fiscal 2023. Further, it acquired a 305-bedded multi-specialty hospital in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh near Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh (“Jhansi-Orchha”) which commenced commercial operations from April 10, 2022 and is one of the largest hospitals in Jhansi- Orchha-Gwalior region in terms of number of beds. With this acquisition, its total bed capacity has increased to 1,405 beds. In addition, its critical care program comprises 394 critical care beds, as of March 31, 2023. Further, its Noida Extension hospital with 450 beds is one of the largest hospitals in the Noida Extension, Uttar Pradesh region. As of March 31, 2023, it engaged 609 doctors and offer healthcare services across several specialties and super specialties.

Godrej Interio Bags Contract For Modernization Of Cyber Crime Headquarter In Navi Mumbai

Godrej & Boyce, the flagship company of the Godrej Group announced that its business Godrej Interio, India’s leading furniture solutions brand, in home and institutional segments, has bagged the prestigious project of revamping and operationalizing the Maharashtra Cyber Security Headquarters. The scope of work for this project spans across 1.27 lakh sq. ft. and includes a five-story building with diverse facilities, encompassing office spaces, cabins, digital classrooms, seminar hall, meeting rooms, trainee rooms, cafeteria, storage area, service rooms, game room, gym along with Cyber cell Call center.

According to a report, in 2022, Maharashtra experienced a significant 70 percent increase in cybercrime cases compared to the previous year. Out of the 4,268 cyber fraud cases registered until November 2022, only 279 have been successfully resolved. To address this growing concern and tackle crimes involving modern technologies in the age of information technology, the Maharashtra Cybersecurity project was established. This particular project is regarded as a crucial and transformative effort in combating cybercrimes within the state. Godrej Interio was contracted for civil & interiors, MEP & Solar water heater system, landscaping, façade and furniture among other critical areas of work.

Swapneel Nagarkar, Sr. Vice President & Business Head, Godrej Interio said, “At Godrej Interio, we are committed to the Make in India mission and proud to contribute to the nation's development. With the upcoming Cyber Cell headquarters, we aim to provide an efficient and safe working environment that helps empower police officers to detect and combat cybercrimes more effectively, making the Maharashtra state a pioneer in cybersecurity. This project will not only enhance the state's security but also attract new industries and entrepreneurs, further fueling India's growth as a digital powerhouse.”

Godrej Interio reported a revenue of INR 2700 Cr for the fiscal year ending in 2023. During the same period, their turnkey solutions business achieved revenues of over INR 300 Cr. With a team of skilled architects, interior designers, and project managers, Godrej Interio ensures seamless execution and exceptional results through close collaboration with clients. Their comprehensive offerings encompass general contracting, design, and execution services, including interior design, MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing), security and surveillance, as well as AV (audio-visual) systems.

About Godrej Interio:

Godrej Interio is India’s leading premium furniture brand in both home and institutional segments with a strong commitment to sustainability and centers of excellence in design, manufacturing and retail.

Led by the largest in-house design team in the country in the furniture category and awarded with 34 India Design Mark Awards till date, GODREJ INTERIO aims to transform spaces with its thoughtfully designed furniture to create brighter homes and offices with products that have the highest design quotient in aesthetics, functionality and technology. With consistent pursuit of excellence and a special focus on health and ergonomics, GODREJ INTERIO’s product portfolio comprises of a wide range of solutions

Today, Godrej design and manufacture furniture for office spaces, homes, educational institutes, healthcare facilities, laboratories and more. Along with furniture, the company offers Audio Visual and 360 Degree Turnkey solutions. Each of our product range revolves around comfort and aesthetics while delivering well-designed, long lasting and functional furniture solutions. In short, Godrej Interio helps the consumers to make every space the perfect setting for their myriad moods and moments.

Currently present in over 450 cities with 450 exclusive showrooms and 520 dealer outlets, is one of the largest divisions of Godrej & Boyce Mfg. Co. Ltd., part of the Godrej Group, one of India's largest engineering and customer product groups.

Godrej Interio has 7 manufacturing facilities situated at Mumbai, Khalapur, Haridwar, Shirwal, and Bhagwanpur. GODREJ INTERIO is widely known for its comprehensive sustainability certifications for its products in furniture category.

GODREJ INTERIO commitment to the environment has resulted in manufacturing products with lesser environment footprint. Our pioneering efforts include designing less environment burdening products, usage of eco-friendly materials and setting up less polluting and consuming processes, ensuring eco-friendly packaging and transportation and finally the extended responsibility of recycling/reuse of used furniture and scrap, thus ensuring a lifecycle approach to green. GODREJ INTERIO has the widest range of green choices for our customers which not only includes products but also services such as green interiors and recycling.

The brand boasts of noteworthy awards received so far- CII Exim Bank Award for Business Excellence 2016, Superbrands 2017-18, Reader’s Digest Most Trusted Brand 2018 Gold (Home Furniture and Modular Kitchen), TRA’s India’s Most Consumer focused brand 2019, GreenCo Star Performer Award 2019, National Energy Leader Award at CII National Award for Excellence in Energy Management 2018.

YES Bank Introduces ‘iris By YES BANK’ To Re-Define Mobile Banking Experience For Customers

* A comprehensive mobile banking solution, co-created basis customer feedback

* Offers end-to-end life cycle management that enables customers to bank ‘on the go’

YES BANK today, introduced its state-of-the-art mobile banking app, iris by YES BANK that aims to redefine the country’s digital banking landscape.

Designed to cater to both existing and new customers, the app heralds a new era of convenience, efficiency, and personalisation by enabling customers to access over 100 features and services in just a few clicks, on a single platform.

Equipped with a host of exciting features, the app comprises a sleek and intuitive user interface that aims to offer a simplified banking experience for users of all age groups, and backgrounds. Moreover, it also ensures utmost safety of the customers' financial data by incorporating best-in-class safety features like - Biometric Authentication, Sim-Binding as well as a 2-factor Verification.

iris by YES BANK is a comprehensive financial proposition that has been co-created based on the valued feedback received from YES BANK customers. The Bank demonstrated a keen understanding of the feedback that was shared and leveraged its technological prowess to design a solution that empowers customers to fulfil their banking requirements while on the move. The app resonates the Bank's commitment to create a digitally empowered ecosystem within the country and serves as a testament to offer state-of-the-art digital solutions that improve the overall banking experience for its valued customers.

Speaking about the all-new app, Mr. Prashant Kumar, Managing Director & CEO, YES BANK said, “We, at YES BANK take pride in our ability to leverage technology to bring forth path-breaking solutions that offer customers with a holistic banking experience. iris by YES BANK is yet another step in the same direction which aims to transform the way customers avail banking-related services. It is pertinent to note, that the app has been developed in-house based on feedback from our customers, which makes it a unique proposition in terms of features, user experience, and benefits. It echoes the Bank's unwavering focus on ushering in a digital revolution in the country, while also strengthening our reputation as a leader in the ever-changing financial landscape. Given YES BANK’s strong track record of setting new benchmarks for digital excellence, I strongly believe, the app will appeal to users of all age groups by empowering them with a comprehensive banking suite that caters to their diverse banking requirements.”

The unveiling of iris by YES BANK comes close on the heels of the launch of YES BANK’s refreshed brand identity and has the potential to positively impact the lives of millions of customers.

Below are the key features of the iris by YES BANK mobile app:

Savings account: Users can open a savings account effortlessly in real-time through the app

Credit cards: Users can apply for a YES BANK Credit Card and choose from among the wide range of credit card options offered by the Bank

Loan in seconds: Get access to YES BANK’s bouquet of lending products with quick approvals on the app itself

Deposits: Book recurring and fixed deposits through the app on the go

Easy payments: Avail the benefit of using multiple digital modes for making seamless and hassle-free payments on the app

Investments: Get access to a wide range of investment options that can be customised basis individual risk appetite and financial goals

Insurance: Users can choose from a range of insurance services integrated in the iris by YES BANK app

The iris by YES BANK mobile app is available on both Google Play Store and App Store and can be seamlessly downloaded on Android as well as iOS based smartphones.

To know more about the app, click here https://www.yesbank.in/digital-banking/mobile-solutions/iris-mobile-app

You can view the walk-through of the app by clicking here https://youtu.be/IfTNO6RMUN4

About YES BANK

YES BANK is a full-service commercial bank providing a complete range of products, services, and technology-driven digital offerings, catering to retail, MSME, and corporate clients. YES BANK operates its investment banking, merchant banking, and brokerage businesses through YES SECURITIES, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Bank. Headquartered in Mumbai, it has a Pan-India presence including an IBU at GIFT City and a Representative Office in Abu Dhabi.

For more information, visit the Bank's website at http://www.yesbank.in/

Follow YES BANK on Twitter @YESBANK

RHI Magnesita Sets Up Global Shared Service Centre At Gurugram

- India GSS is RHI Magnesita’s 5th GSS after China, Europe, North and South America

- Capacity addition and scale-up planned in 3 phases

RHI Magnesita, the Global leader in manufacturing and supply of high-grade refractory products, systems, and solutions, has operationalised its Global Shared Service centre (GSS) in India. The centre, set up at Gurugram, is the 5th global shared service centre of the company, with the other four located in China, Europe, North and South America.

Keeping in mind the growing significance of the India market for its global operations, RHI Magnesita has established the GSS in the country to provide a comprehensive range of services in four key processes - Attract to Grow (ATG), Procure to Pay (PTP), Order to Cash (OTC), and Record to Report (RTR).

Announcing this, Ian Botha, Global CFO, RHI Magnesita, said, “The Indian economy is going through transformational growth. We are turbo charging our growth in the country by integrating two recently acquired Indian refractory companies with RHI Magnesita. By doing so, we have positioned ourselves as the leading refractory player in India with an unrivalled product range, plant footprint and reach to service our customers in India and the larger region of West Asia, Africa. It was a natural choice for us to set up the Shared Services centre in India to support the business with processes and standards that are consistent with our group’s Global business processes.  This will enable us to further improve our service quality to customers, and it is in line with our long-term strategic objective of developing India as a key refractory manufacturing, R&D and services hub.”

Starting with a team of 53 skilled professionals, the centre will cater to the company’s India operations initially. In phase 2, which will commence in coming weeks, the centre will extend its services to support the India, West Asia, and Africa regional operations including that of the recent acquisitions made by the company in India. In a subsequent third phase, the GSS - India will be elevated to service certain activities for RHI Magnesita's growing global business which spans over 125 countries. It will do so in collaboration with the other four GSS hubs which will continue.  For this centre, RHI Magnesita onboarded KPMG as its strategic project partner.

Expressing his enthusiasm on the opening of the India GSS, Mr. Parmod Sagar, MD & CEO of RHI Magnesita India, said, "The establishment of the GSS in Gurugram represents a significant milestone for RHI Magnesita India. This will enable us to enhance operational efficiencies and provide world-class support to our local and global operations. It also reaffirms our strong belief that India has exceptional young talents who are capable to serve Global businesses in a sustained and scalable manner.”

Echoing RHI Magnesita's commitment to flexibility and talent empowerment, about 60% of the GSS staff currently operate from the base location in Gurugram, while the remaining 40% work remotely from various RHI Magnesita plants and office locations across India. This approach ensures seamless collaboration and synergy between teams, strengthening the company's capability to deliver value to its customers and stakeholders. At present, RHI Magnesita GSS - India boasts a young and vibrant workforce, with round 70% of its staff aged under 40, reflecting the company's commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, agility, and inclusivity.

Adding to this Aneta VanDenKieboom, Global Head of Shared Services at RHI Magnesita said, “As a young, shared service centre, we take pride in fostering a dynamic work environment and empowering our talented professionals to deliver exceptional results.  With the future scaling up of GSS-India, we also aim to expand our workforce and further our ambition to add skilled and talented colleagues across all processes and levels."

About RHI Magnesita

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are critical for high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass. With a vertically integrated value chain, from raw materials to refractory products and full performance-based solutions, RHI Magnesita serves customers around the world, with around 15,000 employees in 47 production sites, 7 recycling facilities and more than 70 sales offices. RHI Magnesita intends to build on its leadership in revenue, scale, product portfolio and diversified geographic presence to expand further in high growth markets.

The Group maintains a premium listing on the Official list of the London Stock Exchange (symbol: RHIM) and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 index, with a secondary listing on the Vienna Stock Exchange (Wiener Börse). For more information visit: www.rhimagnesita.com

Dinesh Gundu Rao Launches Free Pink Ambulance Services And free mammography Program To 100 patients At Nagawara

* Sri. Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister, Government of Karnataka, launches Free Pink Ambulance Services and free mammography program to 100 patients (BPL cardholders) at Nagawara, North Bengaluru

Sri. Dinesh Gundu Rao, Health Minister, GOK,  launched Free Pink Ambulance Services and free mammography program for 100 patients (BPL cardholders) at ONE POINT CHRIS AMERICAN HOSPITALS at Nagawara, Bengaluru on the occasion opening of the Radiology Department, specialized medical and surgical departments at One Point Chris American hospitals Nagawara.

Speaking to the reporters Honorable Health Minister Sri. Dinesh Gundu Rao  After the inauguration of the radiology department and launch of the pink ambulance lauded the initiative taken by the hospital for the poor and needy free mammography to 100 patients having BPL cards and FREE Pink ambulance services to  WOMEN within a 5 km radius pick and drop from the hospital location in the north Bangalore and congratulated Dr. Robert Christopher, chairman at one point Chris American hospital.   

Dr. Robert Christopher, chairman at one point Chris American hospital thanked the honorable minister taking his precious time and launched the above program. Dr. Christopher further added that he is planning to invest around 1000 crores to make 10 more hospitals in and around Bangalore and Chennai, coming up with high end state of the art medical equipments. Dr.  Suresh kumar and Mr.  Haridasan pillai are the main investors who hail from India and settled in USA at Dallas Texas city for more than 40 years.

Dr. Bhimashankar Guled IPS, DCP-East zone, Bengaluru city. Rajesh Lilothia, AICC Chairman Sc Dept, USA, Shibu Joseph ,Saji Joseph

Dr. Ravi Rathod CEO

 Anchor RJ Rashid Ex Radio Jockey (RJ), Haridashan pillai CPA, USA, Dr. Suresh G Kumar, Chairman one point, Dr. Prakash, Medical Director, Chris American hospital, and staff of Chris American hospitals were present at the event.

HDFC International Life & Re, IFSC Branch & HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Announce New Global Propositions From GIFT City - IFSC

* HDFC Life International* will offer US Dollar denominated life and health insurance solutions for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and the global Indian diaspora.

* HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited will offer fund management and advisory solutions and be positioned as HDFC AMC’s offshore hub.

* Two of the HDFC Bank group companies are set to commence operations from GIFT City – IFSC.

*  HDFC International Life and Re, IFSC Branch

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers has announced that the overseas branch of its international subsidiary HDFC International Life and Re, will now offer US Dollar denominated life and health insurance solutions for Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) from GIFT City – IFSC, India under the brand name HDFC Life International.

HDFC Life International will cater to NRIs and the global Indian diaspora, offering insurance solutions with world-class features that are not limited by borders. Most importantly, these products can be purchased using foreign currency such as the US Dollar. The full range of solutions offered by HDFC Life International includes products that address an individual’s financial needs related to Savings, Health and Retirement.

The first product – “US Dollar Global Education Plan”, is now open for enrolment and is designed to help parents build a US Dollar denominated corpus to meet future expenses for their child’s overseas education. This product aims to eliminate any future mismatch between the currency of investment and the currency of expenses. 

HDFC International Life and Re, operational since January 2016 is a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Life. It is based in the Dubai International Financial Center (“DIFC”), Dubai, United Arab Emirates and is regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (“DFSA”). The overseas branch at GIFT City – IFSC has received requisite approvals and grants of registration from the International Financial Services Centre Authority (“IFSCA”), the unified regulator at GIFT City – IFSC. Bespoke and innovative foreign currency denominated life and health insurance products and solutions have been created after carefully examining the insurance needs of global Indians and NRIs. These products will be made available under the aegis of the “HDFC Life International” brand, through the newly launched website, www.hdfclife-international.com. This easy-to-navigate and informative website carries glimpses of the first product, a guide for busy parents to plan for their children’s education, a comprehensive education calculator, pre-packed offerings, upcoming product segments, seamless servicing options and the provision to reserve seats for new offerings, among others. The aim is to support long term planning by parents in a meaningful manner.

Products will be available online for enrolment and customers can avail a smooth service experience, aided by international experts on call. These multi-currency life and health insurance product and solutions from GIFT City will complement the existing suite of INR products offered by HDFC Life, thus widening the available choices for its prevailing and new customers.

HDFC AMC International (IFSC)

HDFC AMC had announced the set-up of its wholly owned subsidiary HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited at International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). This is a strategic move to expand the global outreach and for opening up new markets for the products and services managed / offered by HDFC Asset Management Company Limited. HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited is registered with IFSCA as “Fund Management Entity (Retail)” to carry out investment management, investment advisory and portfolio management services activities from GIFT City – IFSC.

As part of the initial product rollout, HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited proposes to launch 6 (six) Funds which would feed into different HDFC Mutual Fund schemes covering strategies on equity (across market capitalization) and hybrids. The underlying domestic schemes for these strategies have an aggregate average AUM in excess of USD 20 billion (as of July 2023). The setting up of these products provides a convenient and viable route for global investors to access its India investment solutions. Global investors thus stand to gain from the long and distinguished track record of HDFC AMC, the capabilities of its large and established investment team and its disciplined process driven investment approach. The initial focus would be on global institutional investors looking at India investment solutions.

As HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited expands its offering, it will provide options for both onshore investors (under LRS / OPI route) and offshore investors to invest in global strategies. These products will help resident investors supplement their domestic investments by addition of global allocation. It is the company’s endeavour to provide access to resident investors with best-of-class global managers with GIFT City as the gateway.

HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited will also provide portfolio management services to eligible global institutional investors who wish to invest through separately managed accounts. Over a period of time HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited intends to deepen its solutions with addition of products on alternate strategies including those on private assets. The aspiration is for HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited to become a one stop solution for all investment requirements from an offshore perspective, both for global investors (NRI, Indian diaspora and foreign) looking at India solutions and for Indian and offshore investors looking at global solutions.

Deepak Parekh, Chairman, HDFC Life and HDFC AMC commented on this milestone in HDFC Life and HDFC AMC’s journey and said, “We are delighted to share with our customers, investors and shareholders, our upcoming and novel foray from GIFT City, India. The unified regulator IFSCA has been constantly focusing on establishing India as a strong and stable international financial platform for the entire region and the global economy as a whole. With this association, we look forward to further contributing to the India growth story and to make world class foreign currency denominated insurance solutions available for NRIs and Global Indians through HDFC Life International and; Indian investment solutions available to global investors and global investment solutions available to resident investors through HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited”.

“Congratulating the newly established HDFC Life International and HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited in GIFT City, Shri Tapan Ray, IAS (Retd.) Managing Director & Group CEO, GIFT City said ''HDFC Life International’s presence as the first international insurer in GIFT City and HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited as HDFC AMCs offshore hub, is a resounding validation of our commitment to creating a hub for world class business infrastructure that caters to global and domestic financial enterprises. We highly value this association and are delighted to partner with the HDFC Bank Group towards making this venture a benchmark for future successes in the insurance domain''

Shri K Rajaraman, IAS, Chairperson, IFSCA commented “The IFSCA’s reputation as a hub for international financial activities continues to grow, attracting a diverge range of financial institutions. The IFSCA regulatory framework is designed to foster an environment of transparency, stability and innovation and holds immense potential and opportunities for the global financial community.”

Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO, HDFC Life added, “HDFC Life celebrates the contribution made by the overseas Indian community towards the development of India. We are proud that our subsidiary, HDFC International Life and Re, is expanding its products and solutions from the branch at GIFT City - IFSC, India. These products will be suitable for NRIs and will deliver high quality life and health insurance solutions. We urge our distribution partners to come to GIFT City and partner with us on these offerings.”

Navneet Munot, MD & CEO, HDFC AMC commented “The establishment of HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited as the offshore hub for HDFC AMC further strengthens our commitment towards providing a wider platform for global investors to access our time tested and industry leading investment capabilities. It will also help us broaden the scope of our offerings by providing options for investors looking at global investment options. HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited would act as the bridge connecting global investors with Indian markets and Indian investors with global markets”.

About HDFC International Life and Re Company Limited

HDFC International Life and Re Company Limited ("HDFC International Life and Re") is the first life and health (re)insurer incorporated in the DIFC and is regulated by the DFSA. The Company has established HDFC International Life & Re, IFSC Branch (“HDFC Life International”), its first overseas branch located at Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT City) - IFSC, India to provide US Dollar denominated life and health insurance products and solutions to Indians globally.

HDFC International Life and Re, has been assigned long-term insurer public financial strength rating of “BBB” for now five (5) consecutive years.

* HDFC Life International is the IFSC Insurance Office (IIO) of HDFC International Life and Re. Co. Ltd. which is a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC Life Insurance Co. Ltd."

For more information on HDFC Life International,  visit website at https://www.hdfclife-international.com

About HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited

HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited (“HDFC AMC IFSC”) is a wholly owned subsidiary of HDFC AMC and was incorporated in May 2022 as a public limited company under the Companies Act, 2013. HDFC AMC International (IFSC) Limited is registered with IFSCA as “Fund Management Entity (Retail)” to carry out investment management, investment advisory and portfolio management services activities from GIFT City – IFSC. HDFC AMC IFSC is positioned as HDFC AMC’s offshore hub and will provide both Indian investment solutions for global investors and global solutions for offshore and Indian investors.

HDFC Asset Management Company Limited (HDFC AMC), incorporated in 1999 is the Investment Manager to HDFC Mutual Fund, one of the largest mutual funds in the country with closing AUM of Rs 5 trillion as on June 30, 2023.

The Company offers a comprehensive suite of savings and investment products ranging from mutual funds, including both actively managed and passive options, to portfolio management services and alternative investment opportunities catering to the needs of a large and diverse customer base.

HDFC AMC proudly serves a mutual fund customer base of 7.1 Mn unique individuals, with a total of 12.2 Mn live accounts. The Company has a vast network of 229 branches, over 75,000 distribution partner and modern digital platforms, enabling it to serve clients across India.

For more information,  visit the company’s website at https://www.hdfcfund.com/

 

 

HCLFoundation Plants 47,000+ Saplings Across India To Support A Sustainable Planet

HCLFoundation, which delivers the corporate social responsibility (CSR) agenda of HCLTech in India, announced it planted 47,000+ saplings of different native species across India to mark the 47th anniversary of the HCL Group.  

The mega plantation drive was organized in Chennai, Madurai, Bengaluru, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Vijayawada, Nagpur, Hyderabad, Hardoi, Thoothukudi, North and South 24 Paraganas and Noida. HCLTech employees, their family members, NGO partners, community volunteers, school students and women’s groups participated in the planting activities at government schools, forested areas, HCLTech campuses and designated lands dedicated to mass afforestation.  

HCLFoundation has planted over 1.45 million saplings to date across the country in collaboration with various stakeholders and local communities. This is in line with HCLTech’s overall CSR objectives of contributing to socio-economic and environmental advancement while adhering to the eight National Missions of the Government of India’s National Action Plan for Climate Change and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

 “We are committed to supercharging progress towards climate action. We are proud of the active participation from our employees, partners, women groups, students and community members, whose support has been instrumental in making this plantation dr
ive a grand success,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President, Global CSR, HCLFoundation. 

About HCLTech 

HCLTech is a global technology company, home to more than 223,000 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.  

Prestige Group Is Unveiling Its Largest Residential Development In Whitefield, Bengaluru

Prestige Group, country’s leading real estate developer with a portfolio of more than 250 delivered properties across 7 cities, has announced the launch of Prestige Park Grove – a large residential township in Bangalore.

Located in Whitefield, the IT Hub of the city, Prestige Park Grove is a community of 3627 splendid apartments and 88 opulent villas. These magnificent residences, designed with the discerning homeowner in mind, combine cutting-edge architecture, world-class amenities, and an unrivalled location to provide the ultimate urban living experience.

Prestige Park Grove has more than 20 Acres of green spaces, providing its residents a serene refuge away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The project is located 3 kilometres from the Whitefield (Kadugodi) Metro Station, which allows convenient access to the CBD and the rest of the city. Furthermore, it is only a 15-minute drive from major commercial hubs, shopping complexes, and entertainment venues.

Commenting on the launch, Mr. Irfan Razack, CMD, Prestige Group said, “Embarking on a journey that resonates with innovation and excellence, we are thrilled to introduce our latest project that embodies the pinnacle of residential development. This endeavour not only reshapes the landscape of quality and craftsmanship, but also demonstrates our unwavering dedication to providing experiences that exceed expectations. We want our customers to benefit from the confluence of innovative design, rigorous attention to detail, and a legacy of unsurpassed excellence through this project.”

Renowned actor Yash adds his star power to the excitement as he joins the grand unveiling of the Prestige Park Grove launch, creating a buzz among fans and real estate enthusiasts alike. His presence promises to elevate the event, bringing together the world of entertainment and luxury real estate.

Prestige Park Drive offers superbly planned homes ranging from one to four bedrooms, making it an ideal choice for individuals and families of all sizes. The project is a 71-acre residential property with a variety of dwelling options for home buyers ranging from efficient 1-bedroom apartment to spending 2 and3-bedroom apartments and up to luxurious 4-bedroom units. Each unit has superior finishes and modern designs that have excellent sunlight and ventilation. The wide windows offer breath-taking views of the metropolitan skyline, while expansive living rooms and private balconies provide an unsurpassed sense of luxury.

There will be 3627 apartments in 19 high-rise towers, and the project will also include a villa enclave with 88 premium independent villas. Prestige Park Grove residents will have access to 2 clubhouses and a cultural centre totalling to over 1,50,000 square feet of state-of-the-art indoor amenities spaces. It will have both regular and lagoon swimming pools, a fully-equipped gymnasium, guest rooms, and a bowling alley. The complex will also provide residents with a plethora of outdoor amenities spread across more than 20 acres of green and open space, assuring a well-rounded living experience.

Prestige Park Grove is poised to become landmark development in the city, thanks to its scale, remarkable design, world-class amenities, and strategic location.

About Prestige Group

Prestige Group, one of the leading real estate developers in the country, has a legacy of almost four decades in real estate development. It has diversified business model across various segments, viz Residential, Office, Retail, Hospitality, Property Management and Warehouses with operations in more than 12 major locations in India. The Group has completed 281 projects spanning a developable area of 166 mn sqft. and has 57 ongoing projects across segments, with a total developable area of 77 mn sqft. Further, it is planning 44 projects spanning 97 mn sqft and holds a land bank of over 680 acres as of Mar-23. The company has been graded CRISIL DA1+ by CRISIL and enjoys a credit rating of ICRA A+.

SANY India Delivers “8 Units of SCC7500A, One Of The Biggest Crawler Cranes” In India, To Sanghvi Movers Limited

SANY India, a leading manufacturer of construction equipment, reached a significant milestone by delivering “8 units of the SANY SCC7500A 750 Ton crawler cranes”, in the first quarter of financial year 2023-24, to Sanghvi Movers Limited, (SML) one of the largest crane rental company in India and 6th largest globally in terms of its fleet size With delivery of these 8 Units of Sany SCC7500A, 750 Ton Crawler Cranes, SML now owns 10 Units of these cranes which is the largest fleet of Sany Cranes owned by any company across world.  

This delivery strengthens SML’s position as the largest Hoisting Solutions Company in India, with a fleet of 45 SANY crawler cranes, truck cranes and all-terrain cranes available as rental solutions for core infrastructure projects across multiple sectors.  

A formal function was held on 8th July 2023 at The Ritz Carlton, Pune where senior executives from SANY India and Sanghvi Movers Limited were present. The keys for SANY SCC7500A 750 Ton crawler cranes were handed over to Sanghvi Movers Ltd. The event was attended by Mr. Deepak Garg, Managing Director, SANY India & South Asia, Mr. Dawson Zhu, Executive Director, Mr. Dheeraj Panda, Chief Operating Officer (Sales, Marketing & Customer Support) at SANY India & South Asia, and Mr. Rishi Sanghvi, Managing Director, Mr. Sham Kajale, Joint Managing Director & CFO, Mrs. Mina Sanghvi, SML group promoter, and Mrs. Maithili Sanghvi, Non-executive Women Director from Sanghvi Movers Limited.  

In his statement at the event, Mr Deepak Garg, Managing Director, SANY India & South Asia, said, “Our association with Sanghvi Movers has come a long way. Earlier in 2022, we delivered 4 units of the SCC8000A, India's Largest Crawler crane of 800-tonne, to Sanghvi Movers Limited, and continuing their trust in us this year, we are delivering 8 more units of the SANY SCC7500A, a 750-tonne crawler crane. We are honoured to be their trusted partners and stand committed to delivering them top-quality equipment that ensures exceptional safety, reliability, and durability under the most challenging conditions found at different working sites. 

He further added, "We cherish this association and look forward to further strengthening our partnership in the years to come. Together, we are determined to surpass expectations, drive innovation, and set new benchmarks in the realm of construction equipment. Our shared goal is to empower India's infrastructure growth and make a lasting impact on the nation's progress." 

Mr. Rishi Sanghvi, Managing Director, Sanghvi Movers Limited, said,  

"We are immensely grateful to SANY India and Mr. Deepak Garg & his team for their unwavering support and trust in Sanghvi Movers. Sanghvi Movers is the leading hoisting champion in India for the last 34 years. Therefore, at Sanghvi Movers, credibility, reliability, durability and safety are paramount. These new crawler cranes will enable us to excel even in the most challenging working conditions and fulfil the diversified demands of our customers. 

Our cherished association with SANY India is a testament to our shared dedication to driving innovation and setting new industry benchmarks. Together, we are steadfast in our commitment to empowering India's infrastructure growth and contributing to the nation's progress." 

The SCC7500A is a 750-ton lifting capacity crawler crane, designed to excel in wind energy and non-wind energy applications (such as Cement Sector, Petro-Chemicals & Refinery, Steel Plants & Power Plants), with a maximum boom length of 108 meters and a maximum luffing jib combination of 96 meters + 96 meters,. SANY India’s crawler cranes offer excellent reliability and the highest operational efficiency, along with technological innovations, maximum safety, stability, and flexibility in all operating environments. The SCC7500A has a maximum lifting moment of 10,000 ton-meters and is equipped with a highly powerful and efficient Cummins engine with a rated power of 447kW/1800rpm. This crawler crane can be configured with various boom combinations, depending on the application requirements. Currently, the crane is deployed at a wind power project in Jamnagar, Gujarat.