IIIT-B And Software Development Institute, Indian Air Force Partners For Cutting-Edge R&D And Innovation

The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B) and the Software Development Institute (SDI) of the Indian Air Force (IAF) have announced a strategic partnership aimed at driving ground-breaking research and development activities while fostering the creation of innovative products and processes.

Speaking about the partnership, Prof.  Debabrata Das, Director, IIIT-B, said, "The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between IIIT-B and SDI marks a pivotal collaboration aimed at driving innovation in waveform design. With a shared commitment to advancing telecommunications technology, both entities will pool their expertise to meticulously craft and optimize cutting-edge waveforms that will redefine the performance and efficiency of airborne systems. "

Air Vice Marshal KN Santhosh, VSM, Commandant SDI, said, “Teaming up with IIIT-B represents a significant milestone for us. By leveraging a combination of IIIT-B’s proficiency in cutting edge R&D activities and SDI’s excellence in software development, the collaboration is poised to introduce ground-breaking advancements in waveform design.”

IIIT-B, a premier institution renowned for its excellence in research, education, and training, is extending its expertise to collaborate with SDI, a critical unit within the Indian Air Force responsible for software development tasks related to avionics software systems and integration. SDI also plays a pivotal role in providing specialized training to selected officers of the IAF.

The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between IIIT-B and SDI delineates a comprehensive collaboration framework, emphasizing key areas such as state-of-the-art research and development and tailor-made training programs directed by SDI. The primary objective is to equip the Indian Air Force with the knowledge and capabilities needed to accelerate the pace of innovations in the field.

As a tangible manifestation of this collaborative spirit, IIIT-B has committed to initiating a specialized training program titled "Communication Theory and DSP for Waveform Design." This program, designed for IAF personnel nominated by SDI, will be spearheaded by the esteemed Prof. Prem Singh from IIIT-B Bangalore. Prof. Prem Singh, an expert in 5G and Beyond Waveform Design, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide the participants through cutting-edge advancements in the telecommunications domain.

The collaboration between IIIT-B and SDI is anticipated to yield unprecedented advancements, addressing the dynamic demands of the ever-evolving telecommunications landscape. Both institutions are confident that this partnership will not only enhance the capabilities of the Indian Air Force but also contribute to the broader technological landscape of the nation.

About IIIT-Bangalore

IIIT-Bangalore is a premier institute dedicated to undergraduate and postgraduate programs specializing in Computer Science and Engineering (CSE), Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE), IT for Society, and broader fields of IT and research. Situated in the heart of Electronic City, Bangalore, it holds a prominent position in the academic landscape. 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’ cognizant 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

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Launches Project ODISERV In Sambalpur

* 1100 students in Odisha have already been trained under Project ODISERV - Shri Dharmendra Pradhan

Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, launched Project ODISERV today in Sambalpur to prepare young graduates of Odisha for employment opportunities in the financial services sector.

While speaking at the event, Shri Pradhan said that the Project ODISERV will empower the youth of the country, make them more employable and fulfil their aspirations. He also mentioned how NEP 2020 is bridging the gap between education and skilling, creating more synergies and allowing students to acquire job-ready skills along with academic knowledge.

He informed that 1100 students in Odisha have already been trained under Project ODISERV and a few of them have also received job offers today. He congratulated all the candidates who have been placed today. Shri Pradhan expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, for envisioning of making India’s youth future and industry ready. Project ODISERV is a perfect example of industry-academia collaboration, he added.

Shri Pradhan also mentioned that the 100-hour training program will equip Odisha’s youth with crucial skills required in the banking, finance and insurance industries. The training program will boost competencies, increase the employability of Yuva Shakti of Odisha and prepare a future-ready workforce, he said.

Shri Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman & Managing Director, Bajaj Finserv, said that skilling and employment of youth will power the demographic dividend and is key to achieving India’s goal of becoming the world’s third largest economy. Skilling is thus integral to Bajaj Finserv’s social impact initiatives, he said. He mentioned how the CPBFI programme was started to fill the talent gap in the financial services sector and how the family incomes of beneficiaries increase significantly when participants secure employment after their certification. He also said that their partnership with NSDC will help scale up CPBFI in colleges across India. The launch of Project Odiserv is significant as Odisha gears to emerge as a hub for entrepreneurship and start-ups through the recently announced 100 cube initiative, Shri Bajaj said.

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the aegis of the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Bajaj Finserv Ltd. today unveiled their first skill development initiative - Project Odiserv at Gangadhar Meher University (GMU) in Sambalpur, Odisha. Project Odiserv is the inaugural skill development initiative, following the partnership announced by NSDC and Bajaj Finserv in December 2023 in the presence of Shri Dharmendra Pradhan.

The project will impart knowledge and skills to graduates, especially first-generation graduates, through Bajaj Finserv’s Certificate Programme for Banking Finance & Insurance (CPBFI) programme, a 100-hour comprehensive training programme that prepares youth from tier-II and tier-III cities for employment in the financial services sector. The launch of Project Odiserv is expected to transform the landscape of skill development in Odisha.

Project Odiserv envisages launching the CPBFI programme in 60 colleges of Odisha across 11 cities and 10 districts including Sambalpur, Dhenkanal, Angul, Cuttack, Khordha, Balasore and Puri. Some of the colleges covered include Bhuban Women’s Degree College, Mathakaragola Degree College, Sambalpur University and SCS College. Of this, CPBFI has already been launched in 30 colleges, enrolling 1100 students and delivering 25,000 hours of training in a short span of two months.

Under the partnership with NSDC & Bajaj Finserv will introduce the CPBFI programme in 22 states across India, covering over 400 colleges. The partnership aims to initially build the capabilities of 20,000 candidates through the CPBFI programme. The 100-hour programme is developed in collaboration with industry experts, training partners, educational institutions, and psychological health institutes. The programme’s curriculum adapts to the ever-evolving landscape of finance, banking, and insurance and incorporates the latest industry trends, technological advancements, and best practices. The partnership with NSDC will be elevated on Skill India Digital Hub (SIDH)— a comprehensive information gateway for all government-led skilling and entrepreneurship initiatives to ensure students are not just academically equipped but also excel in the financial sector.

Additionally, the programme will collaborate with banks and other financial stakeholders, financial institutions, and insurance companies to foster new growth opportunities for students and provide access to internships, on-the-job training, and a first-hand glimpse into best industry practices.

About National Skill Development Corporation

National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) is the principal architect of the skill ecosystem in the country. It is a unique Public Private Partnership (PPP) enterprise working under the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), Government of India. NSDC was established to catalyse the skilling ecosystem for private sector participation and be the strategic implementation and knowledge partner to Skill India Mission to build efficient vocational training initiatives, empowering India’s youth. NSDC provides support to enterprises, start-ups, companies, and organizations that are creating an impact by offering a world of opportunities in futuristic skills to the potential workforce. The organization develops appropriate models to enhance, support, and coordinate private sector initiatives in skilling by offering funding support to eligible entities, concessional loans to the candidates along with other innovative financial products and building strategic partnerships.

Tata Motors Registered Total Sales Of 86,406 Units In February 2024

Total PV Sales of 51,321 units, 19% YoY

Total CV Sales of 35,085 units, -4% YoY

Tata Motors Limited sales in the domestic & international market for February 2024 stood at 86,406 vehicles, compared to 79,705 units during February 2023. 

Domestic sale of MH&ICV in February 2024, including trucks and buses, stood at 16,227 units, compared to 17,282 units in February 2023.

Total sales for MH&ICV Domestic & International Business in February 2024, including trucks and buses, stood at 16,663 units compared to 17,928 units in February 2023.

Union Bank of India Successfully Raised Rs 3,000 Crore Equity Capital via Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP)

Highlights of the Issue

* The QIP received an encouraging response from the market & saw participation by a diversified investor base, which includes Banks, Asset Management Companies, Insurance Companies and Foreign Portfolio Investors.

* Allotment of 22.11 crore shares at ? 135.65 per share (including premium of ? 125.65 per share) aggregating to ? 3,000 crore (Three Thousand Crore).

* The amount of capital raised through the QIP issue will augment the Bank’s Common Equity Tier I ratio & overall Capital Adequacy ratio.

Union Bank of India, one of the largest Public Sector Banks in India, has successfully raised equity capital of ? 3,000 crore via Qualified Institutions Placement (QIP) on February 26, 2024.  The Issue was opened on February 20, 2024 and received strong interest from high quality Domestic and Foreign Portfolio Investors. Bank has allotted 22.11 crore Shares at price of ? 135.65 per share (including premium of ? 125.65 per share) aggregating to ? 3,000 crore representing a discount of approximately 5% to the floor price determined as per Regulatory guidelines.

Bank has received significant & encouraging response from the market & seen participation by a diversified investor base which includes Banks, Asset Management Companies, Insurance Companies and Foreign Portfolio Investors, thereby ensuring diversification of the shareholder base of Union Bank of India.

On the Successful capital raising, Ms. A Manimekhalai, MD & CEO, says “We are delighted to conclude one of the largest equity capital raising issue in public sector banking space in the recent past. Bank has successfully raised ? 3,000 crore by way of QIPs during the year, which is the highest in the history of Union Bank of India and one of the highest in the history of Public Sector Banks in a financial year, in recent years. This demonstrates the continued faith of investors on the Bank’s growth trajectory and prospects. The QIP Proceeds will augment the Capital base and help us pursue growth opportunities as we endeavour to create value for our Customers & Shareholders”.

As on December 31, 2023, the public shareholding in Union Bank of India stood at 23.01%. Consequent to the equity capital raising, the public shareholding in the Bank increased to 25.24% and consequently, the shareholding of Government of India becomes 74.76%. Bank has complied as per SEBI and Securities Contract (Regulations) Rules, 1957 (“SCRR”) & its further amendments i.e. to maintain a minimum public shareholding of at least 25.00%.

The Book Running Lead Managers (BRLMs) to the QIP issue were IIFL Securities Ltd., J M Financial Ltd., IDBI Capital Markets & Securities Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd. and BNP Paribas. The Legal advisors of the transaction were Luthra & Luthra Law Offices, Saraf & Partners and Duane Morris & Selvam LLP. The Statutory Auditors were N B S & Co., Chhajed & Doshi, G S Mathur & Co., P Chandrasekar LLP and M/s. V K Ladha & Associates. 

Completion Of The Term Of Dr. Hasmukh Adhia As Chairman Bank of Baroda

Bank of Baroda, a prominent public sector bank, officially announces the completion of the term of Dr. Hasmukh Adhia, after completing 5 years in the Bank as Non-Executive Chairman.

Dr. Adhia contributed significantly to the growth and success of Bank of Baroda.  His visionary leadership, strategic acumen, and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in establishing Bank of Baroda as India’s second largest public sector bank.

Bank of Baroda extends its deepest appreciation to Dr. Hasmukh Adhia for his outstanding service, leadership, and dedication throughout the years. 

Bank of Baroda remains committed to upholding the highest standards of banking excellence set by Dr. Hasmukh Adhia and will continue its mission of contributing to the nation's economic growth.

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 ~165 million through over 70,000 touch points spread across 17 countries in five continents and through its various digital banking platforms, which provide all banking products and services in a seamless and hassle-free manner. The Bank’s vision matches the aspirations of its diverse clientele base and seeks to instil a sense of trust and security in all their dealings with the Bank.

Visit us at www.bankofbaroda.in

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/bankofbaroda/

Twitter https://twitter.com/bankofbaroda

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/officialbankofbaroda/

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdf14FHPLt7omkE9CmyrVHA

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/bankofbaroda/

Honda Cars India Registers Over 17% Growth In Domestic Sales In February’24 With 7,142 Units

* Clocks highest ever monthly export volume of 5,936 units with 510% growth

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, registered monthly domestic sales of 7,142 units in February 2024 with a strong growth of over 17% in comparison to the corresponding month last year. The export numbers for HCIL stood at 5,936 units in Feb’24. This is the highest ever monthly export volume clocked by the company that has been fuelled by strong export performance of cars made in India and exported to multiple global markets.     

Sharing thoughts on Feb’24 sales performance, Mr. Yuichi Murata, Director, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd. said, “Our performance in February has been as per our plan. The Honda Elevate maintains its strong performance, further strengthening its presence in the market. The Honda City and Amaze also continue to perform well in their respective segments. In addition, our export performance has also been robust.”

The company had registered 6,086 units in domestic sales and exported 973 units in February’ 23.

About Honda Cars India Ltd.

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, was established in December 1995 with a commitment to provide Honda’s passenger car models and technologies, to the Indian customers. HCIL’s corporate office is based in Greater Noida, UP and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located at Tapukara, District. Alwar, Rajasthan. 

Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from their established qualities of durability, reliability, safety, and fuel-efficiency. The company has a strong sales and distribution network spread across the country. 

Besides the new car business, Honda offers one stop solution for buying and selling pre-owned cars through its business function Honda Auto Terrace. The Honda Certified Pre-owned cars come with an assurance of quality and peace of mind that caters to the diverse and burgeoning needs of pre-owned car buyers across the country.

Helios Mutual Fund Launches Helios Balanced Advantage Fund NFO Opens From March 11-24, 2024

Helios Mutual Fund has announced the launch of Helios Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF), an open-ended dynamic asset allocation fund. NFO will open for subscription on March 11, 2024 and close on March 20, 2024.

The fund aims to capitalize on the potential upside of equities while attempting to limit the downside through dynamic portfolio management. This will be done by investing in equity & equity related instruments and active use of debt, money market instruments and derivatives. The equity portfolio will be built basis Helios's Elimination Investing (EITM) philosophy - based on eight fundamental screening factors that have repeatedly proven to be effective in weeding out poor performers, gravitating towards winners, and creating a sustainable outperformance profile.

The investment strategy will be to normally maintain gross equity and equity-related exposure between 65%-100% and the net equity exposure between 30% to 80%. Various derivative strategies would be used for hedging against market headwinds.

Helios Balanced Advantage Fund (BAF) will be benchmarked against CRISIL Hybrid 50+50 – Moderate Total Return Index (TRI). The scheme will be managed by Mr. Alok Bahl and Mr. Pratik Singh for equity investments and Mr. Utssav Modi for debt portfolio management.

On an average, Bengaluru has been among the top three cities in terms of contribution towards mutual fund growing AUM with BAF category industry AUM standing at ~INR 14,900 cr as of Jan ’24 (Source: MFDex). The city being the IT and ITES hub, large corporates and even their employees invest in mutual funds. The young demographics and high disposable income levels show a huge growth potential for mutual fund penetration in Bengaluru.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Samir Arora, Founder, Helios Capital, said, “Helios Balanced Advantage Fund is suitable for investors looking for long term wealth creation or building corpus for goals such as retirement or child education. Investors who wish to build an all-weather portfolio may consider this scheme after consulting their financial advisor”.

Why should you invest in Helios Balanced Advantage Fund?

·         Growth Potential with balanced allocation

·         Attempts to limit downside risk by hedging, tweaking debt

·         Endeavors to allocate =/> 65% into equities, which will provide the Scheme with Equity Fund taxation

·         Units can be redeemed on any Business Day at NAV based price

·         Risk Mitigation and Rigorous Screening

·         Fund Managers with more than 25 years of combined experience

·         Consistency and Disciplined Investing

The Minimum application amount will be Rs 5000 and in multiples of Re 1 thereafter.

AGS Transact Technologies Aims To Issue 25 Lakh National Common Mobility Cards (NCMC) Over The Next Two Years

In a circular dated 23rd February 2024, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted licensed bank and non-bank managed prepaid payment instruments (PPIs) to issue prepaid cards for use across various public transport systems, without the mandatory KYC verification. One of the prominent PPI offerings is the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC), an open-loop card that offers interoperability across different transport networks in India such as Metro.

AGS Transact Technologies, one of the largest omnichannel integrated payments solutions provider in India, has partnered with RBL Bank to issue NCMC for Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited. Following the recent announcement of RBI, the company expects an uptick in NCMC adoption to about 2 lakhs by June 2024, once the new process for issuance of NCMC is implemented, expectedly by mid-March. Overall, AGS Transact Technologies plans to issue around 25 lakh NCMCs over the next two years.

RBL Bank BMRCL NCMCs are secure and contactless open loop prepaid cards on Rupay platform that can be recharged easily through BMRCL RBL Bank NCMC app or a web portal and across BMRCL Metro stations and select RBL Bank branches. NCMCs are developed to work even in low network coverage areas, such as underground parking and metro stations. In addition to public transport payments, the cards can be used for fuel, bill payments, dining as well as retail & ecommerce platforms that accept RuPay payments.

Current Steps to apply for RBL Bank BMRCL NCMC powered by AGS Transact Technologies:

Mobile App: Download "BMRCL RBL Bank NCMC" app on the Google Play Store or

Web Portal: Visit the web portal at https://nammametro.agsindia.com/

Register on the app / web portal. A registration number will be generated upon successful OTP verification.

Now visit the ticket counter at the nearest Bengaluru Metro Station or RBL Bank Branch and provide the registration number. Your NCMC will be activated, and a physical card will be given following OTP authentication. The card is now ready for transactions such as shopping, ecommerce and dining.

You can top-up the NCMC via UPI, wallets, credit/debit card and internet banking or visit the nearest metro station.

To avail transit services like metro, transfer the fund from your online wallet to offline wallet on your app or web portal.

Tap your NCMC on self-service kiosk at BMRCL Metro station and enjoy the seamless commute experience.

About AGS Transact Technologies Limited (AGSTTL)

Established in 2002, AGS Transact Technologies Limited (BSE: 543451| NSE: AGSTRA) is one of the largest integrated omni-channel payment solutions providers in India in terms of providing digital and cash-based solutions to banks and corporate clients. AGS Transact provides customised products and services comprising ATM and CRM outsourcing, cash management and digital payment solutions including merchant solutions, transaction processing services and mobile wallets. The company operates in three broad business segments, namely, Payment Solutions; Banking Automation Solutions; and Other Automation Solutions.

AGS Transact Technologies serves diverse industries such as banking, retail, petroleum, toll and transit, cash management and fintech in India and other select countries in Asia. As of December 31, 2023, the company has deployed 2,48,126 payment terminals and was one of the largest deployers of PoS terminals at petroleum retail outlets in India, having rolled out 45,525 terminals at various petroleum retail outlets

Austrade Concludes EdTech Trade Mission To India 2024 In Bengaluru, Strengthening Collaboration Opportunities

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) has successfully concluded its inaugural EdTech Trade Mission to India 2024, which took place from 26 February to 1 March 2024. This ground-breaking initiative was designed to tap into India's rapidly expanding online education market and to foster partnerships that enhance collaboration between Australia and India.

The mission provided a dynamic platform for Australian EdTech companies, universities, and training organisations to deepen their understanding of the Indian online education landscape and the EdTech ecosystem. By engaging with key stakeholders, potential collaborators, investors and clients, the mission facilitated meaningful discussions and networking opportunities.

A highlight of the mission was the participation in the India Digital Summit 2024 (IDS) held in Mumbai on 27 and 28 February 2024, which offered Australian delegates invaluable networking opportunities. 15 delegates from 5 Australian EdTech organisations and 3 Australian Universities joined the mission’s itinerary which included visits to Mumbai and Bengaluru. These cities were chosen for their vibrant ecosystems and as a representative of the opportunities available for Australian entities looking to expand into the Indian market.

Dr Monica Kennedy, Senior Trade and  Investment Commissioner at Austrade, commented: "The Australian EdTech Trade Mission to India 2024 was a resounding success, creating a unique platform for Australian companies to explore the Indian market and establish  connections. The engagement and partnerships formed during this mission are testament to the synergies between the Australian and Indian EdTech sectors."

The EdTech Trade Mission 2024 has laid a solid foundation for future collaboration between Australian and Indian EdTech innovators. As demand for innovative educational solutions continues to rise in India, Australian EdTech firms are well-positioned to meet this demand. Austrade remains committed to supporting Australian companies in navigating the Indian market and seizing the opportunities for growth and collaboration that lie ahead.

About The Australian Trade and Investment Commission

The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) is the Australian Government’s international trade promotion and investment attraction agency. We deliver quality trade and investment services to businesses to grow Australia’s prosperity. We do this by generating and providing market information and insights, promoting Australian capability, and facilitating connections through our extensive global network.

We position Australian education internationally by highlighting global relevance, practicality and quality of Australia's education providers, along with their innovation, creativity and focus on the future.

To discover how we can help you, visit https://www.austrade.gov.au/

To know more about Study Australia, visit www.studyaustralia.gov.au

Going To School And BT Group Kick Off Match Day 2024 In Bengaluru

·       Going to School in partnership with the Government of Karnataka and BT Group work together to equip girls with football and digital skills to solve for climate change

·       The ‘Outdoor School for Girls’ program delivers sport (football) with digital, life, STEM, Sustainable Entrepreneurial skills through integrated skills curricula to girls in Government Schools in Grade 5-10.

·       Going to School’s goal is to equip 2.7 million girls across India with the skills they need to solve for Climate Change, by bringing the great game and skills content to school for girls.

·       Match Day 2024 was simultaneously organized across Mumbai, Goa, and Raichur, apart from Bengaluru.

Going to School, a creative not-for-profit trust, in partnership with the Government of Karnataka and BT Group, organised ‘Match Day 2024’ to celebrate the power of sport to equip girls with digital and life skills to succeed in life and solve for the biggest challenge of our time, Climate Change.

Going to School has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Karnataka to run the Outdoor School for Girls, a skills sports educational program for girls in Government Schools.

Placing girls at the centre of their story, the day began with an engaging discussion with the Team of 11 Girls who feature in the upcoming TV series. The dynamic conversation moved between the power of play to learn skills and the enterprising solutions girls had designed to solve for how to enable girls to play football in India and practice their digital skills to design enterprise solutions for Climate Change.

Guests present at the event included representatives from Going to School, BT Group, Principals of Government Schools and more than 500 girls from across the city. Additionally, Bengaluru FC Head Coach, Mr Gerard Zaragoza, Assistant Coach and former India International, Mr Renedy Singh, Team Players Aleksandr Jovanovic, Namgyal Bhutia, Ashish Jha, Director of Football, Mr Darren Cladeira and girls from Bengaluru FC’s U15s Women's Team also graced the event.

It was a ‘zero plastic’ event, with sustainable street stalls serving snacks on leaf plates and juice. A sustainable shade umbrella photo booth with palm trees got everyone excited to click photos and interact with the media and representatives on the ground.

The Outdoor School for Girls project delivers sport (football) with digital, life, STEM, and Sustainable Entrepreneurial skills through an integrated curricula to girls in Government schools in India. From Grades 5-10, during school hours, the program is designed to equip girls with the skills they need to complete their education, moving from the game they have designed on the pitch to the wider canvas of the city, kick-starting sustainable enterprises, solving for Climate Change and create jobs solving for two of the city’s biggest challenges: youth unemployment and Climate Change.

Going to School aims to equip 2.7 million girls with football, life, sustainable and enterprise skills they need to complete their education and move from the pitch to leading enterprises that solve for Climate Change in the city and create jobs.

In partnership with BT Group, the Equinix Foundation is also supporting the Outdoor School for Girls program by providing funding, mentorship, volunteering, and expertise towards the development of the digital learning platform used by the girls to build their digital skills and design climate solutions.

Ian McBride, Head Responsible Business – India, BT Group said, “We have a long standing partnership with Going to School and the Outdoor School for Girls is a terrific opportunity to bring digital skills at scale via sport that support BT Group’s global manifesto goal to ensure technology is inclusive and for everyone to benefit.”

"As a football club that cares about the community, the environment and is completely behind empowering women through our sport, we are delighted to be associated with this fantastic initiative led by Going to School. Bengaluru FC has championed the cause of sustainability and awareness about climate change, and to be able to harness the power of football to spread this message is something we are very happy to do. Let’s all play our part in being the change," said Bengaluru FC Head Coach, Mr Gerard Zaragoza.

“We are delighted to kick off ‘Match Day 2024’ in Bengaluru today. We sincerely thank the Government of Karnataka for giving us a chance to engage with girls at school in the state and BT Group for their unwavering support for this dynamic digital skills, sports project for girls. For the first time in the Government Education System in India, girls are playing football and learning integrated skills to solve for Climate Change at school. With a fierce focus on girls’ retention in school and transition from school to the sustainable enterprise of her choice, after she completes her education, she has the chance to become an entrepreneur who starts an enterprise that solves for Climate Change and creates jobs, we are already awe-inspired by the potential of girls and look forward to seeing what she achieves when she moves from school to the wider challenge of the city,” added Lisa Heydlauff, CEO, Going to School.

Going to School has also signed MoUs with the Government of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa to implement The Outdoor School for Girls program in Government Schools during school hours. They also run Experiential Business School Crash Courses for young women, age 18+, to be able to learn sustainable enterprise skills on site, outside in the city with start-up entrepreneurs. City Business Schools for Young Women, run outside like the Outdoor School, is part of their Youth Venture Fund program supported by J.P.Morgan. Once she completes a crash course, she can elect to begin researching a business that solves for Climate Change that she can pitch for support for start-up seed capital grants from Deutsche Bank.

The commitment to enable her to learn the skills she needs at school and to transition from school to sustainable enterprise of her choice solving for Climate Change, is a multi-partner initiative and underscoring girls and women’s decisive role in all of our futures.

About BT Group

BT Group is the UK’s leading provider of fixed and mobile telecommunications and related secure digital products, solutions and services. We also provide managed telecommunications, security and network & IT infrastructure services to customers across 180 countries.

BT Group consists of three customer-facing units: Consumer serves individuals and families in the UK; Business covers companies and public services in the UK and internationally; Openreach is an independently governed, wholly owned subsidiary wholesaling fixed access infrastructure services to its customers - over 650 communications providers across the UK.

British Telecommunications plc is a wholly owned subsidiary of BT Group plc and encompasses virtually all businesses and assets of the BT Group. BT Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange.

For more information, visit www.bt.com/about

About Bengaluru FC

Bengaluru Football Club is an Indian professional football club based in Bangalore, Karnataka. The club competes in the Indian Super League (ISL), the top flight of Indian football. The club was established on 20 July 2013, and began its first competitive season in the I-League on 22 September the same year. Since its inception, the club has won two I-League titles including one in its debut season, two Federation Cup titles, one Indian Super League title, and a Super Cup championship making it fourth-most successful club in Indian football.

About Going to School

Made in India, celebrating 21 years, Going to School is a creative-not-for-profit education trust that makes design-driven stories to equip millions of young people at school and outside with the skills they need to design enterprise solutions for the biggest challenges of our time. With an audacious goal of equipping millions of girls with the digital, life, STEM, Sustainable Enterprise skills she needs to solve for Climate Change while she is at school, Going to School is celebrating this 21st Year by adding play to the match of our lives. Football is going to school to equip girls with the skills they need to solve for Climate Change. Join us in this audacious goal that we can only dare to make happen through magical, inspired partnerships offline, online, on air and outside, see you on the pitch. www.goingtoschool.com wwww.outdoorschoolforgirls.com

Photo Caption: Bengaluru FC Head Coach, Gerard Zaragoza and Going to School CEO Lisa Heydlauff with girls and representatives from BT Group at the event in Bengaluru.

viaDOTS Unveils Its One-Of-A-Kind Digital Meter Taxi Services In Bengaluru

* Whether one is in the heart of the city or on the outskirts, riders simply need to approach a nearby ‘Driver Entrepreneur’ and inquire if they have a digital meter

In a bid to revolutionize digital ride-hailing services, viaDOTS, a key player in the ride-hailing industry, has announced the launch of its one-of-a-kind Digital Meter Taxi Services in Bengaluru. This pioneering move is aimed at ushering in a new era of transparency and fairness in cab services, benefiting both drivers and passengers alike.

The Bengaluru-based firm has been a frontrunner in working towards a transparent and cost-effective service delivery system. With a Digital Meter Taxi Model, viaDOTS restricts price surge and price volatility during low demand as the fares are meter-calculated. The digital meter displays the estimated price before the journey commences. This feature empowers riders to make informed decisions by providing them with complete awareness of the cost beforehand. This not only benefits the drivers by providing them with a fairer and predictable income but also enhances the riders' overall experience by providing clear and reliable pricing.

One of the standout features of this innovative offering is its accessibility. Riders no longer need to have the viaDOTS app installed to avail of a digital metered taxi. Instead, they can conveniently book a metered taxi from anywhere. Whether one is in the heart of the city or on the outskirts, riders simply need to approach a nearby ‘Driver Entrepreneur’ and inquire if they have a digital meter. Easy to install, the drivers can set up the viaDOTS digital meter all by themselves by meeting the KYC and safety norms set by the ride-hailing platform.

The driver remains seamlessly connected through the viaDOTS Driver App, which continuously tracks the rides. Each driver undergoes rigorous background checks before being onboarded onto the Driver App. This process aligns with their commitment to providing safe and secure rides to the customer.

“We strive to transform the existing cab services into a convenient, transparent and safe service,” says Vyshak Simha, CEO at viaDOTS. “Our GPS-enabled Digital Meter Taxis ensure safe and secure rides, placing both drivers and riders at the forefront of our priorities. At viaDOTS, we are committed to leveraging technology to consistently deliver exceptional customer experiences.”

Since its launch in 2023, viaDOTS has witnessed remarkable growth, having onboarded 10,000 drivers within just two months. The ride-hailing platform is experiencing a 20% ride conversion rate and has amassed 22,000 users on the app. The ride-hailing platform is currently experiencing a 20% ride conversion rate and has amassed 22,000 users on the app.

About viaDOTS:

viaDOTS is a ride-hailing SaaS platform which is revolutionizing the ride-hailing industry by implementing Driver Operated Transport Service (DOTS). Backed by extensive research and development to identify gaps in the ride-hailing industry since 2019, viaDOTS was founded in 2023 in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Since its inception, viaDOTS has onboarded 10,000 drivers and plans to onboard a staggering 50,000 drivers by the end of the first quarter of 2024.

Focused on transparency, viaDOTS aims to provide accessible, affordable, and convenient transport solutions. viaDOTS empowers drivers to operate as Driver Entrepreneurs and at the same time prioritize rides with no hidden charges and price surge.

Meta Launches ‘Know What’s Real’ Campaign To Create Awareness Against The Spread Of Misinformation

Meta has launched an integrated safety campaign ‘Know What’s Real’, in an effort to drive awareness around the importance of fighting misinformation in today’s digital age. The campaign aims to educate users on identifying and addressing misinformation on WhatsApp and Instagram by promoting digital best practices and highlighting available safety tools.

The 8-week-long campaign highlights in-built product features and safety measures present on WhatsApp like block and report, forward labels that equip users to spot misinformation and prevent its spread further, and encourages people to verify information that sounds suspicious or inaccurate via fact-checking organizations on WhatsApp Channels.

On Instagram, Meta teams up with a robust network of fact checkers to verify information. If something false, like deepfakes, is found, they put warning labels in the app to tell people it's not accurate. We also limit the reach of content that is labeled “False” by our fact-checkers so less people can see it. Through the campaign, Meta is encouraging people to not forward or share any inauthentic content and instead report the same to the Grievance Officer or any of the independent fact checking partners to verify information.

Meta’s fact-checking program in India includes partnerships with 11 independent fact-checking organizations which is one of the largest networks of fact-checking partners globally. These partners have the capabilities to fact check content in 15 Indian languages, including Kannnada, as well as English – enabling people to identify, review, verify information and help prevent the spread of misinformation on Meta platforms.

Commenting on the launch of the campaign, Shivnath Thukral, Director, Public Policy India, Meta, said, “Meta is committed to fighting misinformation online. We have invested in industry leading programs like setting up a robust network of independent fact-checkers that work to debunk false claims and help citizens access reliable information, including collaborating with MCA to launch a WhatsApp tipline to curb AI-generated misinformation. The campaign is an extension of our ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of misinformation and serves as a simple safety guide to educate people on the role they can play to combat it.”

Just last week, the company announced the launch of a dedicated fact-checking helpline on WhatsApp in an effort to combat AI-Generated misinformation – particularly deepfakes, and help people connect with verified and credible information. Meta also supports the cross-industry and multi-stakeholder led Misinformation Combat Alliance’s (MCA) initiative to set up a self-regulatory organization (SRO) for third-party fact checkers.

Honda Elevate Now Available At CSD Stores Across The Country

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India strengthened its commitment towards the members of the Indian Armed Forces by offering the Honda Elevate in Canteen Store Departments (CSD) across the country.

Adding Honda Elevate’s availability in CSD stores alongside Honda City and Amaze emphasizes the company's dedication to serving the armed forces community with premium automotive solutions.

Mr. Kunal Behl, Vice President, Marketing & Sales, Honda Cars India Ltd, said, "Extending Honda Elevate availability to our uniformed heroes is a privilege. This initiative reinforces our commitment to supporting those who serve our nation by offering them access to top-quality Honda products."

Designed with the concept of 'Urban Freestyler', the Honda Elevate boasts a bold and masculine design and is equipped with a powerful 1.5L i-VTEC petrol engine paired with 6-speed MT and 7-speed CVT automatic transmissions.

The Elevate offers roomy interiors, featuring a top-class wheelbase, ample headroom, knee room, legroom, and a class-leading cargo area. Its spacious interiors and advanced safety features, including ADAS technology of Honda SENSING, ensure both comfortable and stress-free safe drive.

With dimensions of 4312mm length, 1790mm width, 1650mm height, 2650mm wheelbase and a top-class ground clearance of 220 mm, the Elevate merges style and practicality seamlessly.

It offers a wide range of choice to customers with the convenience of CVT automatic and MT transmissions with the ADAS safety technology at very affordable price points.

Through the extensive network of CSD outlets, armed personnel can now easily experience the superior performance and functionality of the Honda Elevate.

About Honda Cars India Ltd.

Honda Cars India Ltd. (HCIL), a leading manufacturer of premium cars in India, was established in December 1995 with a commitment to provide Honda’s passenger car models and technologies, to the Indian customers. HCIL’s corporate office is based in Greater Noida, UP and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is located at Tapukara, District. Alwar, Rajasthan. 

Honda’s models are strongly associated with advanced design and technology, apart from their established qualities of durability, reliability, safety, and fuel-efficiency. The company has a strong sales and distribution network spread across the country. 

Besides the new car business, Honda offers one stop solution for buying and selling pre-owned cars through its business function Honda Auto Terrace. The Honda Certified Pre-owned cars come with an assurance of quality and peace of mind that caters to the diverse and burgeoning needs of pre-owned car buyers across the country.

Mahindra Finance And Manipal Academy Of BFSI Launch ‘Prarambh’, First Of Its Kind Women-Centric Programme

·         ‘Prarambh’ to encourage women for careers in financial services sector

·         Facilities to include mediclaim, wellness policies, and maternity benefits

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (MMFSL), part of the Mahindra Group and one of India’s leading Non-Banking Finance Companies, announced a strategic partnership with Manipal Academy of BFSI, a leading hiring and training institute for BFSI careers. This partnership will offer a specialized business training programme called ‘Prarambh’ exclusively for women candidates.

‘Prarambh’ is curated to provide women candidates with a pathway to careers in the financial services sector and empower them with necessary skillset for career progression. It would start with the role of Business Executive while providing industry-standard remuneration.

The selected candidates will undergo a 30-day online certification course, crafted by the institute, focusing on key aspects of sales and finance. A total of 40 candidates from the first batch (started on 5th February 2024) will receive a certification in sales from Manipal Academy of BFSI upon completion.

Manish Sinha, CHRO, Mahindra Finance, said, "At Mahindra Finance, we prioritise Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as key enablers for our success. We believe in creating equitable opportunities for women in our organisation to help build successful careers with us. In this regard we are pleased to announce our partnership with Manipal Academy of BFSI to empower women at the workplace. This initiative underscores our commitment to foster a landscape where women can thrive and achieve their potential.”

Mr. Robin Bhowmik, Chief Business Officer Manipal Academy of BFSI said, “: At Manipal Academy of BFSI, we recognize the immense potential that women bring to the table in the BFSI domain. Our women-only training batch is a strategic move to harness that potential building a diverse and inclusive workforce. Prarambh is a significant step towards building a stronger Diversity ratio at Mahindra Finance, it will contribute to create a more equitable workplace. By tailoring our training specifically to the needs and strengths of female candidates, we will not only increase our women hires but also set them up for success.”

The eligibility criteria for applicants include being a graduate, aged 28 years or below, with a minimum of 50% marks in the 10th, 12th, and graduation courses. The candidates can register online followed by a written test for verbal, analytical & numerical ability, written English, and a listening comprehension test. This would be followed by an online panel interview with both teams and candidates clearing both steps would receive a Provisional Offer Letter (POL).

The selection process for the next batch will commence from June 2024. The enrolment fee for the programme is Rs. 42,000/- + taxes and the job benefits include a group mediclaim policy of up to Rs. 3.5 lacs, several maternity benefits, women's wellness policies, women's travel and accommodation privileges, and many other perks.

The prospective candidate, through this programme will acquire comprehensive knowledge of their job, and the company's business operations. In addition, they will also develop insights into industry trends, enabling them to stay ahead of the curve. The programme will focus on enhancing participants' communication skills, including engaging with customers and building relationships.

Mahindra Finance plans to consistently recruit more women this year through the ‘Prarambh’ scheme. They aim to further boost women's workforce representation and redefine societal paradigms on gender-based limitations which are considered unconventional careers for women.

For more information on 'Prarambh' programme and the application details, visit the link - https://www.mahindrafinance.com/careers/partnerships

About Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited

Mahindra & Mahindra Financial Services Limited (Mahindra Finance), part of the Mahindra Group, is one of India’s leading non-banking finance companies. Focused on the rural and semi-urban sector, the Company has over 9.8 million customers and has an AUM of over USD 11 Billion. The Company is a leading vehicle and tractor financier, provides loans to SMEs and also offers fixed deposits. The Company has 1,369 offices and reaches out to customers spread over 3,80,000 villages and 7,000 towns across the country.

Mahindra Finance has been ranked 59th among India’s Best Companies to Work 2023 by Great Place to Work Institute.

Mahindra Insurance Brokers Limited (MIBL) a wholly owned subsidiary, is the Company's Insurance Broking subsidiary is a licensed Composite Broker providing Direct and Reinsurance broking services.

Mahindra Rural Housing Finance Limited (MRHFL) a subsidiary of Mahindra Finance provides loans for purchase, renovation, construction of houses to individuals in the rural and semi-urban areas of the country.

Mahindra Finance CSR Foundation is a wholly owned subsidiary company, under the provisions of section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013 for undertaking the CSR activities of the Company and its subsidiaries.

Mahindra Manulife Investment Management Private Limited acts as the Investment Manager of Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund.

Mahindra Manulife Trustee Private Limited (MMTPL), acts as a Trustee to Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund.

Mahindra Ideal Finance Limited (MIFL) is a subsidiary of the Company in Sri Lanka, in which the Company owns 58.2% stake. MIFL focuses on providing a diversified suite of financial services to the Sri Lankan market.

The Company has a Joint Venture in the US, Mahindra Finance USA LLC, in partnership with De Lage Landen, a subsidiary of Rabo Bank, for financing Mahindra vehicles in the US.

Learn more about Mahindra Finance on www.mahindrafinance.com / Twitter and Facebook:

@MahindraFin 

About Mahindra

Founded in 1945, the Mahindra Group is one of the largest and most admired multinational federation of companies with 260,000 employees in over 100 countries. It enjoys a leadership position in farm equipment, utility vehicles, information technology and financial services in India and is the world’s largest tractor company by volume. It has a strong presence in renewable energy, agriculture, logistics, hospitality and real estate. 

The Mahindra Group has a clear focus on leading ESG globally, enabling rural prosperity and enhancing urban living, with a goal to drive positive change in the lives of communities and stakeholders to enable them to Rise.

Learn more about Mahindra on www.mahindra.com / Twitter and Facebook: @MahindraRise/ For updates subscribe to https://www.mahindra.com/news-room

About Manipal Academy of BFSI

Manipal Academy of BFSI is a leading talent development and employee productivity solutions provider across India’s banking and finance services industry. With faculty bringing professional expertise into training, the academy combines conceptual learning with real-time experiential learning to equip professionals with relevant skills. With 300,000 professionals trained across banking, insurance and financial services, Manipal Academy of BFSI has partnered to hire and train for over 50 leading banks, insurance, and non-banking financial services in India. Today, the academy of BFSI annually trains over 15000 BFSI industry professionals for its industry partners in traditional operations, sales, and new-gen BFSI roles.

For more information, visit www.manipalbfsi.com

Minister D. Sridhar Babu Unveils Newly Expanded Medtronic Engineering & Innovation Center In Hyderabad

* MEIC is the largest Research and Development (R&D) center outside the US. for Medtronic

* A 250,000 sq. ft. facility devoted to healthcare technology R&D in Hyderabad.

Medtronic, the global leader in medical technology, today inaugurated its newly expanded state-of-the-art Medtronic Engineering and Innovation Center (MEIC) in Hyderabad. The center was inaugurated earlier today by Shri D. Sridhar Babu, Honorable Minister of IT, Industries & Commerce, Govt. of Telangana, along with Geoff Martha, Chairman and CEO, Medtronic in the presence of Guest of Honor, Jennifer Larson, US Consul General. The R&D center’s expansion strategically aligns with Medtronic’s objective to expand its global R&D footprint and invest in the local innovation ecosystem. The expansion is part of the investment of approximately INR 3000cr (more than $350M) announced by Medtronic over a five-year period to scale up and expand the R&D facility and to employ 1500 people in future.

MEIC is also Medtronic’s largest R&D center outside the US. At 250,000 sq. ft. of total space, MEIC is going to focus on collaborative innovation, training and education, immersive experiences from the expanded space, all aimed towards shaping the future of healthcare technology. The new space will house a Digital Therapy & Innovation Lab, Connected Care Lab, Platform & Tech Lab, Systems Engineering Lab, Software Lab, as well as new workstations and wellness amenities for employees.

Speaking at the inauguration event, Honorable Minister for IT, Industries and Commerce, Government of Telangana, Sri D Sridhar Babu said, “The presence of MEIC in Hyderabad is a testament to Hyderabad emerging as a hotspot for medtech innovation. The State Government is fully committed to fostering this growing culture of innovation in the state and will work towards marking Hyderabad on a global map as an ideal destination for both medical devices manufacturing and research & development. We are equally thrilled to support Medtronic's growth and look forward to their contributions in the state and country in healthcare innovation.”

Geoff Martha, Chairman and CEO, Medtronic said, “Innovation is at the core of every life transforming technology developed at Medtronic. Our R&D team in India plays a pivotal role in Medtronic’s global product development and MEIC‘s expansion marks a significant milestone in strengthening our global R&D capabilities. We thank the Government of Telangana for building a thriving local innovation ecosystem. There is significant headroom for innovation and growth today and the future of healthcare technology rests on robust R&D.”

Divya Prakash Joshi, Vice President & Site Leader, MEIC, said, “MEIC currently supports many global business units of Medtronic to provide software engineering solutions and other engineering expertise in the areas of embedded and enterprise software, product security, data engineering, systems engineering, mechanical and hardware design, and quality & regulatory. This expansion will help drive our commitment to impact more patient lives globally and advance the healthcare technology industry. I thank the Government of Telangana for their continued support to us in shaping the future of healthcare technology.”

Senior leaders from Medtronic who joined Geoff and the Honorable Minister, Shri D. Sridhar Babu during the auspicious occasion were Mani Prakash, Vice President, Enterprise R&D; Feng Dong, Vice President Asia RLM and Divya Prakash Joshi, Vice President & Site Leader, MEIC. Jennifer Larson, US Consul General, and Shakthi M Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Lifesciences, Government of Telangana, were also present.

For over a decade, MEIC has contributed to excellence in global healthcare from its premises in Hyderabad, India. Since 2011, the dedicated team of engineers at the center has put innovative ideas to work to generate real solutions for real people. With 900+ engineers, MEIC is home to some of the best STEM talent bringing in diverse perspectives, and ambition to engineer the extraordinary. Beyond its technical prowess, MEIC collaborates closely with the Medtronic commercial team in India, fostering strategic and long-term partnerships with key opinion leaders, academic institutions, and hospital networks across the country. This collaborative approach underscores center’s commitment to playing a vital role in the broader healthcare ecosystem.

About Medtronic

Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE:MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow @Medtronic on Twitter and LinkedIn.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic's periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate Eyes Revenue Potential Of INR 500 Crore At Its Project “Parkwest 2.0 In Bengaluru”

* Announces the launch of its last tower in the project, Sequoia, offering opulent 3 & 4 BHK apartments

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, one of India’s most trusted real estate brands, proudly announces the launch of Sequoia, the last tower at Parkwest 2.0, located in Binnypet, Bengaluru. Following the success of making more than 2500 apartments, Sequoia emerges as the final jewel in Binnypet's real estate crown, marking the completion of this luxurious ~46-acre oasis of green in central Bengaluru. The launch signifies the company's commitment to delivering excellence and elevating the city's living standards.

Parkwest 2.0 has a total saleable area of over 18.4 lakh square feet. Sequoia, the last tower of the project, offers an exquisite selection of over 180 meticulously crafted 3 and 4BHK luxury apartments with a saleable area of 4.3 lakh square feet, presenting a revenue potential of nearly INR 500 crore. Sequoia stands tall at 30 floors, setting a new benchmark for urban living by seamlessly integrating smart features amidst lush greenery. Each apartment is thoughtfully designed to maximise natural light and ventilation, creating a serene oasis within the bustling cityscape. To date, the company has handed over ~1,000 apartments to satisfied homebuyers.

Commenting on the launch, Mr Venkatesh Gopalakrishnan, Director Group Promoter’s Office, MD & CEO - Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE), stated, “Sequoia, the last tower at Parkwest 2.0, is a testament to our meticulous planning and unwavering dedication to craftsmanship. This iconic development will exceed the expectations of our esteemed customers, reinforcing our commitment to delivering excellence in every project we undertake.”

Mr Sumit Sapru, Business Head, Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate, added, "Introducing Sequoia, the last tower at Parkwest 2.0, signifies a new standard for luxurious living in Bengaluru. With impeccable design, unmatched quality, and world-class amenities, Sequoia caters to the discerning residents of the city, elevating the Parkwest 2.0 experience.”

Parkwest 2.0 offers easy connectivity to the Metro Station, Majestic Bus Stand, and City Railway Station, making it an ideal choice for those seeking proximity to the Central Business District, shopping malls, schools, hospitals, commercial complexes, restaurants, and entertainment options.

About Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate (SPRE)

Shapoorji Pallonji Real Estate is a well-regarded and reputed player in the Indian real estate sector owing to its cutting-edge design innovation, construction quality, and architectural excellence. It constitutes a significant segment of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, an enormous multi-business conglomerate. The group has more than 157 years of legacy that bridges the earliest celebrated structures of India with modern marvels. With a development potential of over 142 million square feet, SPRE has made inroads into most Indian cities—Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Gurugram, and Kolkata—with a variety of developments, from luxury apartments and opulent residences to aspirational homes for mid-income homebuyers as well as one of the largest mass housing projects in India.

Link to the website: https://www.shapoorjipallonji.com/ 

LG Electronics India Partners With Skyesports To Revolutionize Gaming In India

LG Electronics, India’s leading consumer durable brand, today announced an exclusive partnership with Skyesports, India's leading esports tournament organizer. This ground-breaking collaboration aims to revolutionize the gaming landscape in India by combining LG's cutting-edge technology with Skyesports' unparalleled expertise in organizing top-tier esports events and engaging gaming content.

Under the terms of the partnership, LG and Skyesports will explore various avenues in the esports industry, with a primary focus on promoting LG UltraGear gaming monitors. The alliance will encompass a range of initiatives designed to foster community engagement, elevate gaming experiences, and showcase the potential of LG's state-of-the-art gaming monitors.

In addition to the association with top PC influencers such as Shreeman Legend and Thor Gaming, LG and Skyesports are thrilled to announce an exclusive partnership with Gods Reign, amongst India’s most notable esports organizations. This partnership will see LG providing technological support through its UltraGear monitors, empowering Gods Reign to excel in their competitive endeavours. Furthermore, LG and Skyesports will be organizing a series of esports LAN events across India, providing gamers with the opportunity to compete in exhilarating tournaments and first-hand experience the exceptional performance of LG UltraGear monitors.

Commenting on the partnership, Yoojae Kim- Director, Business Solutions, LG Electronics India said, “We are thrilled to embark on this exclusive partnership with Skyesports, a pioneering force in India's gaming and esports arena. This collaboration not only underscores LG's commitment to elevating gaming experiences but also aligns perfectly with our mission to empower gamers with cutting-edge technology. Together with Skyesports, we aim to ignite the passion for gaming across India, fostering a vibrant community and showcasing the prowess of LG UltraGear monitors in the competitive gaming landscape.”

Meanwhile, Shiva Nandy, Founder and CEO, Skyesports, expressed excitement about the collaboration, saying, “We're incredibly excited to kick off this collaboration with LG, a pioneer in the consumer electronics industry. We have already unveiled much of our 2024 esports roadmap with the return of our flagship IPs, boasting expanded prize pools and broader formats which has set the stage for long-term partnerships like this one. With LG onboard, we're set to introduce large-scale LAN events, directly engaging with gaming communities at the grassroots level. LG's commitment to gaming aligns with our vision of uplifting India's esports scene through grassroot-level tournaments, immersive on-ground events, and positioning India as a prominent hub for international esports competitions. Together, I look forward to redefining the gaming landscape in 2024, offering unparalleled experiences and opportunities for gamers across the nation and beyond."

With this strategic alliance, LG and Skyesports are poised to reshape the gaming landscape in India, fuelling innovation, fostering community engagement, and pushing the boundaries of what's possible in esports.

About LG Electronics India Pvt Ltd        

LG Electronics India Pvt. Ltd. (LG Electronics), a wholly owned subsidiary of LG Electronics Inc, South Korea was established in January 1997 in India. It is one of the most formidable brands in consumer electronics - Home Entertainment, home appliances*, HVAC, IT hardware. In India, LG Electronics has earned a premium brand positioning and is an acknowledged trendsetter in the industry.  LGEIL's manufacturing unit at Greater Noida is one of the most eco-friendly units among all LG manufacturing plants in the world. The second Greenfield facility is located at Ranjangaon; Pune which manufacture LED TVs, air conditioners, commercial air conditioning systems, washing machines, refrigerators, and monitors.

*Home Appliances include- Refrigerator, Washing Machine, AC, Water purifier, Microwave, Fan, Dishwasher & Air purifier

NPST Wins Contract From DCB Bank For Online Dispute Resolution

*   NPST ODR, a centralized dispute management solution, will help DCB Bank solidify customer relationships by optimizing the speed and the efficiency of its dispute redressal mechanisms

NPST, India’s leading banking and payment services provider, announced it has secured a contract for its Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) solution from DCB Bank, the country’s leading private sector bank. In line with its commitment to build trust-based customer relationships, DCB Bank will implement NPST's Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) to streamline customer complaint addressal, enhance efficiency and rationalize operational and compliance costs.

In today’s dynamic payments ecosystem marked by multiple digital channels and growing transaction volumes, efficient dispute management processes are an integral component of payment processing capabilities. Transactional disputes, including failed or pending payments, can significantly impact customer perceptions of service quality and their overall lifetime value. Moreover, with recent regulatory directives from the Reserve Bank of India tightening timelines for dispute resolution, the pressure on banks to deliver swift resolution for customer complaints, has never been greater.

NPST’s ODR, an advanced digital platform for prompt remediation of transactional disputes and customer complaints, enables DCB Bank to uphold high standards of customer service and transparency. An omni-channel solution, NPST ODR interfaces with all customer transactional channels – Mobile Banking, Internet Banking, IMPS, UPI, NEFT, and RTGS and provides a centralized system to monitor and address customer disputes efficiently. ODR manages the complete dispute life cycle, enabling DCB Bank to effectively handle issues such as missing or delayed payments and credits.

By adopting an integrated operating model for dispute classification and resolution, DCB Bank stands to benefit from enhanced productivity, potentially up to 30% and more. Additionally, the bank can potentially reduce financial losses and regulatory risks, boosting operational excellence and efficiency.

Commenting on the win, Deepak Chand Thakur, Co-founder and CEO, NPST stated; “We are delighted to announce the win with DCB Bank, reaffirming our commitment to delivering relevant innovation and sustained value to banks and their customers in the digital payment ecosystem. NPST’s Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) solution aligns with DCB Bank’s customer-centric ethos, ensuring safe and secure payments while fostering loyalty-building interactions and driving productivity and cost savings.”

The solution seamlessly ingests complaints from the customer’s preferred channel, and provides real-time visibility into dispute status through dashboards, alerts, and an extensive audit trail, reducing the time and stress involved in the dispute process for customers and banks. A modern, low-code platform enables DCB Bank to swiftly update dispute management workflows and incorporate changes in regulatory mandates, ensuring compliance while optimizing efficiency and customer satisfaction.

About NPST

Established in 2013, NPST, a Make in India company, is one of India's leading fintech firms, with a listing on the NSE Small and Medium Exchange.

With a primary focus on UPI payments and digital banking solutions, NPST functions as a Technology Service Provider (TSP) and a Third-Party Aggregator Provider (TPAP), catering to stakeholders across the financial value chain, including banks, merchant aggregators, merchants, and consumers. Committed to innovation and excellence, NPST' aims to bridge the gap between banks and FinTechs and foster the overall growth of the digital payments’ ecosystem.

Presently, NPST facilitates seamless money movement for over 100 customers, processing an impressive 60 million transactions daily, benefiting millions of businesses, merchants, and consumers nationwide. For more details visit: www.npstx.com 

OPPO Launches F25 Pro Slimmest IP65 Rated 5G Smartphone With 4K Recording On Both Front & Back Cameras

* The device goes on sale from March 5, 2024, at the OPPO e-store, on Amazon, Flipkart, and mainline retail outlets.

OPPO India has launched the F25 Pro 5G in two storage variants—retailing at INR 23,999 (128GB) and INR 25,999 (256GB) respectively. This smartphone—available in a new Lava Red colour—features a 64MP rear triple-camera setup with 4K video recording on its front and rear shooters, a 6.7-inch borderless AMOLED display, the octa-core Dimensity 7050 SoC, and a 67W 5000mAh fast-charging battery. It carries an IP65 rating and sports a slim 7.54mm profile while tilting the scales at a mere 177g.

Commenting on the launch, Savio D’Souza, Director of Product Communications at OPPO India, said, “The OPPO F25 Pro 5G packs a punch with premium features like 4K video recording on both the front and rear cameras, a crisp, vivid borderless display, and smart AI technologies for segment-leading photography and efficiency. Add to that its slim, lightweight, durable build, and the F25 Pro 5G becomes the perfect choice for anyone who wants a powerful and stylish upgrade that is #BornToFlaunt.”

Borderless Design in a sleek and stylish frame

The F25 Pro 5G’s 120Hz AMOLED display comes with super-narrow bezels for a 93.4% screen-to-body ratio for an almost borderless viewing experience. Its 10-bit colour technology allows for over 1 billion hues and tones for natural gradients in visuals, while its peak brightness of 1100 nits ensures HDR content with vivid details. 

The screen is protected by Panda Glass, which is doubly reinforced to enhance its durability and scratch resistance, and its body is fabricated out of PC-GF – a polycarbonate resin mixed with glass fibre as a reinforcement material. Its IP65 rating means it comes with the highest level of dust protection and withstands water jets from all directions. So, whether it’s a few splashes by the poolside or droplets of water in the rain, the F25 Pro 5G is built for endurance.

The F25 Pro 5G has also undergone rigorous tests and quality checks to ensure 1,00,000 volume key presses, 2,00,000 power button presses, and 20,000 instances of plugging and unplugging the USB-C cable for long-term reliability.

Besides the Lava Red colour that transitions from rich burgundy colour to deep sunset tones, the F25 5G is also available in Ocean Blue that looks like rippling waves in a clear and tranquil azure colour. 

Powerful Camera Setup with 4K capabilities

The Ultra-Clear Triple Camera on the device comprises a high-resolution 64MP OV64B 1/2” sensor, which provides exceptional clarity and detail in every shot, an 8MP Sony IMX355 112° ultra-wide camera for expansive landscape shots and group photos, as well as a 2MP OV02B10 macro camera that captures intricate details from as close as 4cm away. 

It also sports a 32MP IMX615 camera sensor with a 21mm focal length—housed in a punch-hole display—for detailed selfies, group shots, and high-resolution portraits.

The device brings 4K video recording to both front and rear cameras for razor-sharp clarity. The 4K@30fps video output is detailed in well-lit daytime and static environments, making the F25 Pro 5G ideal for cinematic content, vlogging, and sharing on social media platforms.

AI & Photography

The OPPO F25 Pro 5G introduces AI Smart Image Matting—a segment-first feature—that enables one-tap extraction of subjects from photos and turns them into a transparent PNG that can be inserted into other images for effortless recreation and sharing as memes and photos. The AI can also handle multi-subject recognition within a single photo with precision and efficiency.

The photography AI recognises the race, gender, and age of the subject to provide customised beauty effects, including brightened and smoothened skin, touch-up effects (lips and cheeks) and removal of facial imperfections. It adjusts the brightness in photos based on the environment to prevent overexposure and ensure natural skin tones and makeup colour. 

Photography AI also removes facial imperfections in portraits by the 32MP front camera; it minimises pores for a polished skin effect while algorithms accurately identify and remove blemishes such as spots, acne, and acne marks. 

Face clarity is optimised through OPPO’s AI portrait super-resolution algorithm, based on the aesthetic opinions of a global team of portrait experts. It is automatically activated in medium-lit/dark environments to reduce noise and improve face clarity in portraits. 

The Performance Powerhouse

The OPPO F25 Pro 5G packs the octa-core MediaTek Dimensity 7050 SoC that comprises Arm Cortex-A78 cores clocked up to 2.6GHz for performance and Arm Cortex-A55 for efficiency.

Its Arm Mali-G68 MC4 GPU is optimised to provide smooth everyday gaming experiences and demanding tasks like 4K video recording without compromising battery efficiency.

The smartphone comes in storage capacities of up to 256GB based on the UFS 3.1 standard and 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, expandable up to 16GB through RAM Expansion to handle multiple apps and games without closing background processes prematurely.

All of this is supported by a 5000mAh battery with 67W SUPERVOOCTM Flash Charge that juices the smartphone to 30% with a 10-minute charge, while it reaches 100% in just 48 minutes. The battery is designed for approximately 1600 charge-discharge cycles with OPPO’s proprietary Battery Health Engine, which translates to around four years of use without considerable deterioration.

Smart Experiences Powered by ColorOS 14

The F25 Pro 5G runs on ColorOS 14 based on Android 14. It includes smart AI features, upgraded proprietary technology, and user-friendly tools for enhanced safety and privacy…

LinkBoost: OPPO’s LinkBoost ensures 100% faster transmission and 58.5% stronger reception, which provides a stable signal with minimal downtime. It combines AI network selection and a 360° surround antenna design to facilitate swift reconnection in scenarios such as exiting elevators and travelling in fast-moving vehicles.

Trinity Engine: ColorOS 14’s Trinity Engine optimises computing resources, memory, and storage efficiently with features like ROM Vitalization, RAM Vitalization, and CPU Vitalization. It ensures smooth operation with up to 28 apps running in the background without lag. ColorOS is recognised by third-party organisations such as ISO, ePrivacy, and TrustArc for safety and privacy.

File Dock: The new File Dock on the Smart Sidebar streamlines content-sharing across apps through split-screen, floating windows, or directly from the Dock. Content saved in the File Dock syncs across devices running ColorOS 14, boosting productivity.

Smart Touch: AI-powered Smart Touch allows users to select and organize text, images, and videos from the system and third-party apps effortlessly. Content can be stored in the File Dock or consolidated into a single note with simple gestures.

The OPPO F25 Pro 5G will get three years of OS updates with four years of security updates.

Offers:

Customers can avail the following offers for pre-order of OPPO F25 5G:

- Enjoy up to 10% instant cashback with leading bank cards, including SBI Cards and ICICI Bank.

- Avail of no-cost EMI for up to 9 months.

- Customers have the flexibility to choose their EMI installment and tenure at their convenience.

- Benefit from zero down payment schemes.

- Access low down payment options from top financiers like Bajaj Finserv, TVS Credit, Home Credit, HDB Financial Services, and IDFC First Bank

- Receive 180 days of screen damage protection for added peace of mind.

About OPPO Mobiles India Private Limited 

OPPO is a leading global smart device brand. Since the launch of its first mobile phone - “Smiley Face” - in 2008, OPPO has been in relentless pursuit of the perfect synergy of aesthetic satisfaction and innovative technology. Today, OPPO provides a wide range of smart devices spearheaded by the Find and Reno series. Beyond devices, OPPO provides its users with the ColorOS operating system and internet services like OPPO Cloud and OPPO+. OPPO operates in more than 50 countries and regions with more than 40,000 of OPPO's employees are dedicated to creating a better life for customers around the world.

The Legend Reborn: Kinetic Green Launches E-Luna, An All-Electric And Stylish Avatar Of The Iconic Luna

* Shri Nitin Gadkari, Minister for Road Transport and Highways of GoI, unveiled the E-Luna at a grand function at New Delhi today  E-Luna launched at a disruptive Introductory Ex-showroom Price of Rs. 69,990, making it the most affordable high-speed Electric Two-Wheeler in India, with a vision to make e-mobility accessible and affordable to all

Kinetic Green, a leading manufacturer of electric vehicles in India, proudly introduced the highly anticipated E-Luna today, a stylish, multi-utility electric two-wheeler with advanced technology and features, at a prestigious event in New Delhi. This all-new electric version of the iconic Luna was unveiled at the hands of Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon'ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, alongside Dr. Hanif Qureshi, IPS, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Heavy Industries, GoI, Dr. Arun Firodia, Chairman of Kinetic Group, and Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green, adding great significance to the momentous occasion.

The E-Luna stands out in the electric vehicle market as a unique offering with unparalleled versatility. It represents innovation as it is designed to cater to personal commuting and various applications for small businesses. Its advanced electric technology and innovative features contribute to an eco-friendly and highly contemporary riding experience.

E-Luna is a high-speed Electric two-wheeler that is 100% designed, engineered and Made in India with a vision that masses, and not just classes, participate in the EV revolution and benefit from the advantages of e-mobility of great savings and noiseless, emission-free ride.

At the heart of the stylish design of the new E-Luna is its unique, metallic colored, dual-tubular, high-strength steel chassis. This heavy-duty chassis not just renders strength and durability to the vehicle; but is also the differentiating styling element of the E-Luna, giving it a contemporary look like the sport or naked motorcycles. The chassis makes the E-Luna capable of providing a stable ride over various terrains. Its multi-utility aspect allows it to function not only for personal mobility but also as a “business partner”, with a remarkable 150 kg payload capacity.

The E-Luna also packs many impressive features including advanced 2.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, that delivers a range of 110 km on a single charge.  E-Luna variants will offer options of 1.7 kWh, 2.0 kWh and subsequently, a 3.0 kWh battery pack with 150 km per charge riding range, empowering customers to choose the E-Luna as per their range and price requirement. E-Luna’s battery meets the highest safety standard with efficient thermal management. E-Luna is available with fast charging battery technology and swappable battery options, specially for B2B used cases.

With an advanced BLDC mid-mount motor with 2.2 kW peak capacity, E-Luna has a top speed of 50 km/h.  The E-Luna is equipped with a CAN-enabled communications protocol, and its sleek digital meters offers enhanced convenience alongside real-time DTE or “Distance to Empty” range indicators to its riders. E-Luna’s key aggregates including the battery, motor and controller are designed to the IP-67 standard as water-proof, dust-proof aggregates for long lasting use in any driving terrain. Other notable features include combi-braking system, telescopic front suspension, larger 16” wheel size for stability, USB charging port, three riding modes for optimizing range, a detachable rear seat for flexibility, and side stand sensor for added safety.

Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon'ble Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, expressed his excitement about the launch, stating, "The electric revolution in the automotive industry is gaining momentum, and Kinetic Green's E-Luna, with its versatile features and affordability, matches the government's vision for sustainable transportation. What catches my attention about the E-Luna is not merely the fact of it reducing carbon footprint, but along with Tier 1 cities, the E-Luna is also aimed at providing e-mobility for Tier 2, Tier 3 cities and rural areas of India. This is where the real Bharat is! It is a vehicle that encourages geographical inclusivity. This is the inclusivity that will see Bharat grow, expand and become a leading economic superpower in the world. With products like this, we can envision a future where electric mobility is not just a luxury but a practical and affordable choice for everyone. I congratulate Kinetic Green for their vision and wish them success in transforming the landscape of electric mobility in our country.”

Remembering his first vehicle, Shri Nitin Gadkari expressed “On this special occasion, I reminisce about my first vehicle—the Luna, a cherished gift from my mother to me. The Luna holds a special place in my heart as my first vehicle, and though today I own numerous other vehicles, the memories associated with the Luna presented by my mother remain engraved in my heart”.

During the unveiling of E-Luna, Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, the Founder and CEO of Kinetic Green said, "The E-Luna's unveiling is a proud moment for Kinetic Green, marking a nostalgic return to Luna's legacy. E-Luna’s entry into the realm of electric mobility is nothing short of a revolution. Beyond just a vehicle launch, it represents our vision of inclusion for the future of e-mobility. Today, electric vehicles have reached only a 5 to 6 % penetration in the automobile market and two of the key reasons for this are that most of today’s electric vehicle options are expensive making them unaffordable for a vast majority and many of them are not suitable to ride beyond the metro or large cities, making their appeal niche and limited. This is where E-Luna emerges as a beacon of hope, because with E-Luna, electric mobility will become a practical and affordable choice for everyone and everywhere in India. At an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs. 69,990, E-Luna is not only the most affordable high speed electric two-wheeler but also the most easy-on-pocket two-wheeler with its 10 paisa per km running cost!

This electric Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV), designed for personal or commercial use, goes beyond typical EV products. Symbolizing innovation and minimalistic yet futuristic user-centric design, the E-Luna is fully made in India and designed for Bharat, reflecting our commitment to a sustainable, equitable, and progressive future. In this transformative journey, we are today redefining electric mobility, creating a narrative that echoes the iconic Luna's spirit and shapes India's transportation future."

E-Luna aspires to be more than a mode of transport, presenting itself as a comprehensive solution designed for the street-smart and aspiring Indians underserved by the automotive industry. Positioned as a catalyst for growth, the E-Luna aims to provide personal mobility also to the 75 cr or 50% of Indians who do not own a two-wheeler currently, contributing to Bharat's growth story. Currently the total cost of owning a petrol-based two-wheeler is around Rs. 6,000-7000 per month, with EMI of Rs. 2500-3000 per month and petrol cost of around Rs. 3,000-4000 per month, making personal mobility unaffordable for many.  E-Luna’s Total cost of ownership (TCO) will be below Rs. 2,500 per month, with EMI of around Rs. 2,000 per month and charging cost of just Rs. 300 per month. At a total monthly cost of only Rs. 2,500, E-Luna can play a pivotal role in serving a broader demographic, addressing the mobility needs of aspirers and contributing to a sustainable and accessible future.

Dr. Arun Firodia, Chairman of Kinetic Group said, "The E-Luna's rebirth signifies a great milestone in Kinetic’s journey, offering more than mere transportation. This ground-breaking venture not only signifies a leap into the future of transportation, but also evokes a profound sense of nostalgia, tapping into the beautiful memories and emotions connected with the Luna. This brings a unique touch, reminding us of the simpler times while at the same time, propelling us into a modern era of innovation. E-Luna effortlessly preserves the nostalgic charm of its predecessor, while embracing sustainability and cutting-edge technology.

I am proud to state that the E-Luna is 100% designed for India and 100% Made in India! We are also proud to share that entire Kinetic Group has supported the E-Luna development, and our group companies like Kinetic Engineering, Kinetic Communications and Kinetic Electric Motor Company have developed the key components like the E-Luna trademark chassis, the transmission, smart controller, digital cluster and the motor. Kinetic Green team has worked tirelessly over the last three years on the development of the E-Luna and I am very pleased at the outcome! ”

The E-Luna will be launched in a range of 5 attractive metallic colors, including Mulberry Red, Pearl Yellow, Night Star Black, Ocean Blue, and Sparkling Green, allowing users to personalize their style.  

The all-new E-Luna can be pre-booked at www.kineticgreen.com for just Rs. 500! Deliveries will soon start from all Kinetic Green dealerships nationwide. E-Luna will also be available on Amazon and Flipkart. E-Luna can also be personalized with range of accessories.