AbhiBus Launches Edge App For Bus Operators At Prawaas 4.0

* Now available on the Google Play Store, the Edge app is designed to streamline marketing and operational processes for enhanced efficiency

AbhiBus, one of India's leading bus booking platforms, announced the launch of its new Edge app aimed at revolutionizing how bus operators manage their campaigns, making operations more accessible, quicker, and smarter.

Unveiled at the prestigious Prawaas 4.0, the Edge app builds on the success of the Edge web platform. It harnesses the power of AI, offering intelligent campaign recommendations that are tailored to the specific needs of operators. With instant notifications and alerts, operators can stay updated on critical developments, allowing them to make informed decisions and respond quickly to any opportunities or challenges that arise. It also integrates the AbhiBus ads solutions, enabling operators to reach new customers across various channels and optimize their campaigns to drive sales with greater ease. Additionally, the Crew Performance Module provides detailed insights into operational efficiency, empowering users to manage their teams effectively and ensure smooth operations.

Speaking on the launch, Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, said, “The Edge App represents a significant step forward in our mission to empower bus operators with technology that simplifies their business operations. By making advanced campaign management tools available on mobile, we want to enable  our partners to run their operations more efficiently, make informed decisions and drive growth.”

With the edge app, operators can choose from a variety of pre-designed templates and go live with just one click, significantly reducing the time needed to set up campaigns. It offers instant access to the latest performance data, with real-time analytics that help boost campaigns and sales. It also comes with seamless auto-renewal and campaign extension features that ensure the smooth running of sales without interruption. The app further enhances campaign reach by offering flexible filters that enable operators to target specific routes, allowing them to strategically focus on the routes most critical to their business.

About AbhiBus

AbhiBus is a leading online bus-ticketing platform that aggregates over 4,000+ private bus operators and 25 leading State RTCs, covering more than 100,000+ routes across the country. The AbhiBus website and apps allow users to check amenities provided by bus operators, compare booking fares, check bus timings in the searched route, live tracking of the bus before arrival, cancellation protection options and other facilities. It is the official ticketing partner for several state road transport corporation bus tickets and IRCTC tickets. Apart from an e-ticketing platform, AbhiBus also provides an end-to-end technology solution to private and government bus operators. It provides a state of the art online passenger reservation system to more than 350 private bus operators and 5 State Road Transport Corporations, including APSRTC, TSRTC, KSRTC, HRTC (Himachal) and Kerala RTC across India. Its software solutions include fleet management solutions, vehicle tracking systems, passenger information systems, and logistics, providing a robust and customizable software solution to small and big size bus operators. The business of AbhiBus was acquired by ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited) in August 2021.

Greenply Industries of India And Samet of Türkiye Come Together Offering Exceptional Furniture Accessories To Elevate Living Spaces

~ This strategic collaboration under the brand Greenply-Samet has commenced its manufacturing activities and commercial production as per the Phase-I plan on 30th March 2024 at its state-of-the-art unit in Vadodara, Gujarat ~

Greenply Industries Ltd., a pioneer in the Indian plywood industry, and Samet, one of the leading global brands in functional furniture hardware have commenced their business operations together as part of their joint venture Greenply-Samet and are set to revolutionize the Indian furniture hardware market.

Greenply Industries and SAMET B.V. marked a signi?cant milestone on 26th October 2023 by forming a Joint Venture Company named "Greenply Samet Private Limited." This strategic collaboration under the brand Greenply-Samet is poised to bring a new wave of innovation and quality to the industry. The joint venture commenced its manufacturing activities and commercial production as per the Phase-I plan on 30th March 2024 at its state-of-the-art unit in Vadodara, Gujarat. The production capacity at this facility will be strategically ramped up in three phases over the next three years, ensuring a steady increase in output to meet growing market demand. With an investment of around 250 crores, the Vadodara plant is set to become a cornerstone of Greenply-Samet's operations, blending Greenply's industry expertise with Samet's advanced technological capabilities. This joint venture is dedicated to manufacturing and marketing premium furniture hardware, including state-of-the-art slide systems for wooden and metallic drawer systems, hinge systems, lift-up systems, and other innovative products.

This partnership not only aims to cater to the domestic market but also envisions making India a global hub for functional furniture hardware. The synergy between Greenply and Samet is expected to drive signi?cant growth and create new benchmarks in the industry. Through this joint venture, both companies are committed to delivering exceptional value and innovative solutions to their customers, setting the stage for long-term success. Built on the synergy of skills, resources, and market knowledge, Greenply-Samet provides a best-in-class range of furniture hardware products that are functional, aesthetic and tailored for the needs of every living area. With the manufacturing operations based in Vadodara and headquarters in Mumbai, the venture seamlessly integrates Samet's precision in production with Greenply's strategic market reach, setting new benchmarks in the industry.

Mr. Manoj Tulsian, Joint Managing Director and CEO, Greenply Industries Ltd., spoke of the vision for the venture, "Our strategic partnership with Samet represents a signi?cant leap forward in our journey to deliver unparalleled furniture hardware solutions in India. This venture combines Greenply’s deep understanding of the Indian market with Samet’s world-class technology and innovation. Together, we are poised to rede?ne the standards of furniture hardware in India, offering products that resonate with the needs of modern consumers."

Mr. M. Serdar Senemo?lu, Executive Board President, Samet, stated, "This joint venture with Greenply is a testament to our shared vision for growth and excellence in the Indian market. By leveraging Greenply’s strong market presence and Samet’s advanced technological capabilities with 51 years of corporate excellence, we are con?dent in our ability to deliver innovative, high-quality hardware solutions that will transform the landscape of interior design in India. We will transform our corporate strength that is already approved by Deloitte in 2022 with the best-managed company award to Greenply Samet operation as well. Our collaboration is set to create new benchmarks in the industry, driving both companies to new heights of success."

Greenply Industries Ltd. stands as one of India’s foremost interior infrastructure companies, with a legacy spanning over three decades. Known for its superior quality plywood, MDF, and allied products, Greenply has continually pushed the envelope in innovation and sustainability. The company recently achieved a signi?cant milestone by obtaining CARB and EPA certi?cations for its Zero Emission plywood product range, setting a new standard in the industry. Additionally, Greenply inaugurated a state-of-the-art MDF production line in Vadodara, Gujarat, in April 2023, equipped with the latest PRODI? NEO technology from Siempelkamp, Germany.

Founded in 1973 in Istanbul, Samet has established itself as one of the global pioneers in the furniture hardware industry. Celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2023, Samet has a rich history of innovation and excellence, offering over 6,000 types of cabinet hardware. The company is renowned for its commitment to European quality standards and its ability to deliver cutting-edge solutions that enhance both the functionality and aesthetic appeal of furniture worldwide.

Samet’s focus on research and development has driven its success, making it a perfect partner for Greenply in this ambitious joint venture.

Headquartered in Mumbai, with manufacturing operations in Vadodara, Greenply Samet India Private Limited combines the precision of Samet’s manufacturing and innovation expertise already registered with patented, value-added products in all furniture accessorize categories with Greenply’s extensive market reach. As one of the top-ten leading brands in that category, we will continue to heavily invest in strategic product groups- developed by the global R&D team of Samet- that will also add value to Greenply Samet cooperation. This partnership is set to address the growing demand in India for high-quality, functional, and aesthetically pleasing furniture hardware, reinforcing the market positions of both Greenply and Samet.

The furniture ?ttings sector is growing at a faster rate due to increased demand and availability of quality products in India, therefore GREENPLY-SAMET planned its investments according to key product categories throughout the 5-year projection. In addition to existing more than 6000 products in the portfolio, it has prioritized the Master hinge and GS-Class ball-bearing slide system for India production reference to the demand of the market and production has started in the fully integrated production centre in Vadodara as of 2024. The company’s local manufacturing presence and capability will become even stronger with the commissioning of Smart Slide full extension under-mount slide systems and Flowbox drawer box systems in the further Phases of Production.

In Phase 3, the production centre will achieve a full–scale volume with the manufacturing of Slide single-extension under-mount slides and a Slim-Mech single lift-up door system. In line with these developments, the rapid growth process of Greenply-Samet will be carried to a higher level on a segment and channel basis.

SAI International Education Group Introduces “Sign Language Dlasses” At SAI Angan

~ The introduction of Sign Language classes aligns with the mission of fostering inclusivity and empathy among young learners by equipping them with the skills and sensitivity ~

SAI International Education Group, known for its commitment to holistic education, is proud to announce the integration of sign language classes into the regular language curriculum for the students of SAI Angan, one of India’s largest and most prestigious play schools. This notable step, launched in the current session, aligns with the mission to foster inclusivity and empathy among young learners by equipping them with the skills and sensitivity. This initiative has significantly enhanced their listening abilities and deepened their sense of empathy, reinforcing the importance of understanding and communication in a diverse world.

Young students of SAI Angan, affectionately known as SAIoneers, have now embraced the opportunity to learn sign language and will master the basics of sign language with confidence and enthusiasm. They have already started sharing their newfound skills with their peers by making video content with sign language.

By incorporating nationally and internationally recognized sign languages into the curriculum, SAI International Education Group is committed to bridging communication gaps and nurturing a culture of inclusivity from an early age. This initiative empowers the students to connect with others in meaningful ways, fostering a sense of unity and understanding that transcends verbal communication.

Dr. Silpi Sahoo, Chairperson, SAI International Education Group, shared, “Dr. Bijaya Kumar Sahoo had always focused on holistic education of children and through this initiative, we are following his vision. Nowadays, knowing sign language is incredibly valuable for many reasons, especially regarding enhancing communication, fostering inclusivity, and improving accessibility. This curriculum will enhance language development, improve vocabulary, and reduce frustration in early communication stages. This will not only help the kid to connect with the broader community in the future but also it will help them to build friendships and networks that might otherwise be limited by language barriers. We are extremely proud of our little SAIoneers for leading the way in promoting inclusivity. I am thrilled to see their enthusiasm to learn this new skill.”

SAI International Education Group believes that early exposure to different forms of communication is crucial in developing well-rounded, empathetic individuals. As the students continue to learn and grow, they will carry these valuable lessons with them, making a positive impact on the world around them.

Building A Positive Brand Image: The Role Of Public Relations (PR)

* Shruthi V Shetty, Assistant Professor-Senior Scale, Manipal Institute of Communication, MAHE, Manipal

Is brand image important? Every CEO and business owner would answer in the affirmative. The companies hiring reputation managers are a testament to this fact. The elephant in the room however is the question, is public relations (PR) the way to build positive brand image? Well, maybe not the only way but it is most definitely one of the ways that has proven its worth and the one that fetches long-term dividends. So, if you are a brand that is here to stay then PR is worth exploring.

How does PR help?

PR rests on the trifecta of visibility, credibility, and relationship. Regarding organic reach & engagement, PR is 90% more effective than advertising (Neilson report). Media mentions, being spoken about by opinion makers, or even the brand being positioned as a thought leader give the brand a more robust identity. PR keeps the brand at the center, unlike paid media which is more sales-centric. When it comes to retaining customers and their loyalty, PR’s worth is unparalleled.

Newer PR pathways

Today brands have newer avenues to build their image and reputation. Social media and its various platforms ensure that the PR content reaches its audience without media gatekeeping. Influencers (from nano to macro) and influencer marketing are growing in potential as effective PR tools. Brands can use podcasting to connect their top management directly with their audience. PR is no longer restricted to being the earned media, it can leverage paid, owned as well as shared media in the form of user-generated content or testimonials to convey the brand’s story, value, and purpose.

PR in higher education

Higher education brands are not mere commodities, they are institutions that represent trust and higher-order values.  Building relationships with the stakeholders- students, alumni, media, academia, industry, and community- is essential. These brands need more pull marketing than push marketing, PR provides this by giving brand communication much-needed authenticity and credibility.

The takeaway

How should the brand go about using PR to its optimum proficiency? A few points to consider. Do not use it only during crisis or reputation damage, PR is most effective when planned strategically and used continuously. It is essential to have patience as results take time; brands have to remember that although the effect of PR takes longer to reflect it also stays longer. This does not mean measurement should take a back seat. A few parameters to measure are media coverage value, story reach/impressions, website impact & share of voice apart from long-term revenue impact. 51% of PR professionals believe that social listening is one of the most effective ways to measure and assess reputation, according to a recent report by Meltwater. With realistic KPIs and timely evaluations, PR can play a crucial role in building a holistic identity and credible image for the brand.

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Partners With Union Bank of India To Offer Comprehensive Vehicle Financing Options

* Partnership to offer innovative financing solutions for customers nationwide

* Provides up to 90% financing on the on-road price of vehicles for private use

In its continuous effort to enhance customer experience and streamline car ownership experience through innovative solutions, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Union Bank of India to enable comprehensive and accessible vehicle financing solutions. The partnership aims to offer innovative and attractive solutions curated to meet the evolving needs of the customers and making Toyota vehicles more accessible than ever. 

Key highlights of the partnership:

Enhanced affordability and accessibility: The partnership will allow customers to enjoy up to 90% financing on the on-road price of any Toyota vehicles purchased for private use, exempting them from any foreclosure, or part-payment charges.

Flexible Financing under Union Vehicle Scheme: The financing options under the Union Vehicle Scheme for private vehicle will aid customers to opt for flexible tenures up to 84 months with competitive interest rates starting from 8.80% per annum at present.

Flexible Financing under Union Parivahan Scheme: The financing option under the Union Parivahan Scheme for commercial vehicle will aid customers to opt for flexible tenures up to 60 months with competitive rates.

Broad Reach and Accessibility: Union Bank’s extensive network will provide all Toyota customers with easy access to financing options nationwide

Speaking about the new customer initiative, Mr. Sabari Manohar, Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business of Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said, "We are delighted to partner with Union Bank of India for enhancing vehicle financing options across the nation. This collaboration signifies our dedication to providing exceptional customer experiences by simplifying and making vehicle financing more accessible. Our goal is to streamline financing options, offer seamless experiences, and provide timely support to make the vehicle purchase process enjoyable.

As an organization dedicated to customer satisfaction, our primary focus is on meeting the dynamic needs of the market. We achieve this by continually introducing innovative products and services that enhance the ownership experience. Through the latest partnership, our aim is to broaden reach and extend support to more customers nationwide, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, in their pursuit of owing a Toyota vehicle.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Arun Kumar, General Manager, Union Bank of India, said, “As one of the largest Public Sector Banks, we are delighted to partner with Toyota Kirloskar Motor. The MoU is surely a big step towards providing financing solutions to a vast array of customers, nationwide. Union Bank of India's robust presence across India complements this partnership and we are confident that our digitized loan procedures will enable customers aspiring to purchase a new Toyota vehicle with utmost ease and convenience. Our commitment is to streamline the auto finance process, thereby enriching the customer experience in terms of both product and service.”

The newly launched schemes are applicable to TKM's entire product line, including the Innova Hycross, Innova Crysta, Urban Cruiser Hyryder, Fortuner, Legender, Camry Hybrid, Vellfire, LC 300, Glanza, and Rumion. Additionally, the benefits extend to the newly launched Urban Cruiser Taisor. As the latest addition to TKM’s robust SUV lineup, the All-New Urban Cruiser Taisor upholds Toyota's rich SUV legacy, offering a perfect blend of style, high performance, and fuel efficiency with a striking exterior design. The Urban Cruiser Taisor is available with three engine options: 1.0L Turbo, 1.2L Petrol, and E-CNG.

Over the years, TKM has strived to improve customer experience throughout the purchase & ownership cycle by implementing timely and relevant schemes such as easy financing options. In addition to the latest tie-up and a plethora of in-house financing solutions through Toyota Financial Services (TFS), Toyota over the years has also launched several other tailor-made services with serval other financing institutes to offer customers choices and convenience of financial solutions to meet their diverse needs. The offers go beyond purchase of just new vehicles to cover used cars as well as service packages thus creating overall positive buying and ownership experience of Toyota cars.

Additionally, in pursuit of its customer centric approach, the company recently launched its second Company Owned Toyota Used Car Outlet (TUCO).  Operating under the brand name of “Toyota U-Trust” in New Delhi.  These outlets aim at offering customers high-quality and safe used cars whilst ensuring convenience, transparency, and peace of mind during the process of buying as well as selling Toyota cars. In addition, TKM also has a reach of 683 customer touchpoints nationwide.

Kotak Unveils Falcon Forex Card Exclusively For UAE Travelers

* Travelers using Kotak Falcon card get 100+ offers on tourist attractions, adventure sports, shopping, dining, and unique experiences

* Catering to the aspirational Indian traveling to UAE, including first-time travellers, the card offers savings of up to Rs 20,000

Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited (“KMBL/Kotak”) today unveiled Kotak Falcon Card – a single currency prepaid forex card for the growing number of Indians travelling to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Kotak Falcon Card’s USP is the safety & convenience and cumulative savings up to Rs 20,000* it offers, making it lucrative for aspirational Indians.

Travelers using Kotak Falcon card for payments in UAE will get instant discounts at 100+ tourist attractions, adventure sports, shopping, dining, and unique experiences. Additional benefits include complimentary insurance cover, 24*7 reload service, instant refund, and hassle-free card replacement

The Kotak Falcon Card was unveiled at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai by Rohit Bhasin, President – Head Affluent, NRI, Business Banking and Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank; Muzaffer Hamid, CEO, Mercury Payments Services; and dignitaries from NPCI.

UAE represents an eclectic blend of modernity and luxury. It is also India’s third largest trading partner Kotak Falcon Card - single currency prepaid forex cardwith an integrated financial and digital payment system. It is no surprise then that 2.46 million   overnight travellers visited Dubai in 2023^ – the highest from any country, as per news reports. The large Indian diaspora, direct flights from many cities across the country and growing aspiration for international travel including first trip abroad continues to attract more Indians every year to the UAE.

Key Benefits:

• Safety & convenience of making payments during travel through prepaid forex card as against cash

• Travellers using Kotak Falcon card in UAE will get instant discounts at 100+ tourist attractions, adventure sports, shopping, dining, and unique experiences.

• Up to 50% off on tickets to explore various tourist attractions. 

• Up to 20% discounts across restaurants.

• Falcon forex cards will be accepted across all major merchant outlets and tourist attractions in the UAE.

Rohit Bhasin says, “As part of our focus to be most preferred bank for aspirational Indians, we are delighted to unveil a compelling value proposition – Kotak Falcon Card – exclusively for UAE travellers. The single currency prepaid forex card is a unique offering for the growing number of Indians traveling to the UAE, including first-time int'l travellers and provides them safety & convenience on payments made in the UAE and fantastic savings on payments towards leisure activities.”

Muzaffer Hamid says, “By enabling the Kotak Falcon Card, Mercury is advancing our vision of inclusive payments. We are partnering with NPCI International and Kotak Mahindra Bank to expand RuPay’s presence in the UAE, making financial services more accessible and reflecting our commitment to democratizing payments for the broader market.”

Kotak Falcon Card will be available for customers in the next two months.

About Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited

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 Limited. The Bank has four Strategic Business Units – Consumer Banking, Corporate Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury, which cater to retail and corporate customers across urban and rural India. 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. As on 30th June 2024, Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd has a national footprint of 1,965 branches and 3,279 ATMs (incl. cash recyclers), and branches in GIFT City and DIFC (Dubai). For more information, visit the company’s website at https://www.kotak.com/. 

Photo Caption: At an event organised at the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai today, Kotak Falcon Card – a single currency prepaid forex card exclusively for travelers going to the UAE was unveiled by Rohit Bhasin, President – Head Affluent, NRI, Business Banking and Chief Marketing Officer, Kotak Mahindra Bank [2nd from left]; Muzaffer Hamid - CEO, Mercury Payments Services (UAE); Rajeeth Pillai, Chief Relationship Management Officer, NPCI [left]; and Rina Penkar, Product Head - NPCI International [right].

Eakadanat: A Cultural Convergence Through Art At The IIWC, Bengaluru

Lavanya International Art Foundation is thrilled to announce the upcoming art exhibition, Eakadanat, to commemorate Ganesh Chaturthi. This extraordinary event will take place at the Indian Institute of World Culture (IIWC) in Basavanagudu, Bengaluru, from August 31st to September 4th, 2024 between 10. 30 am to 7 pm.

Founded by the passionate artists Asima Choudhry and Piyali Sarkar, Lavanya International Art Foundation is dedicated to celebrating and promoting India's diverse artistic heritage. Eakadanat is more than just an art show; it's a cultural convergence that beautifully blends tradition and modernity. The exhibition will be inaugurated by renowned figures Dr. TS Sathyavathi, President of IIWC, and Kishore Joseph, Founder of Colorthon and Breathe Entertainment.

Featuring the works of over 50 talented artists from across India, Eakadanat showcases a breathtaking array of styles and techniques. From intricate pencil shading to vibrant oil colors and stunning metalworks, the exhibition offers a captivating journey through the evolution of Indian art.

Asima Choudhry, Co-Founder of Lavanya International Art Foundation, emphasized the exhibition's significance as a platform for both established and emerging artists to showcase their work. "We aim to create a dialogue between tradition and innovation, highlighting how these elements coexist and enrich each other in the world of art," she said.

Piyali Sarkar, Co-Founder, added, "The exhibition also serves as a platform for fostering connections among artists, art lovers, and cultural enthusiasts, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the celebration of artistic excellence."

Eakadanat is a must-visit event for art enthusiasts and cultural connoisseurs. All are welcome to attend this free exhibition.

For more details call : 8660912728, 9933971982

Veera Vahana And Exponent Energy Announce The World's First 15-Minute Charging Intercity Bus, ‘Veera Mahasamrat EV’

*        The electric bus can rapid charge in 15 minutes using Exponent’s 1 MW charging technology

*        The world’s first 13.5m EV bus on 2-axles comes with Exponent’s 320 kWh battery pack and an industry-leading battery warranty of 6 Lakh km/3000 life cycles

*        Focusing on long-haul intercity travel, the two companies are focused on beginning operations with the Bengaluru - Hyderabad route, along which Exponent will install four charging stations

Veera Vahana - a leading player in the bus industry has partnered with Exponent Energy, an energy-tech company to announce a 15-minute rapid charging long-haul intercity electric bus. The ‘Veera Mahasamrat EV’ powered by Exponent is the world’s first 13.5m electric bus on 2-axles. It’s equipped with Exponent’s 320 kWh battery pack enabling a virtually unlimited range with 15-minute rapid charging on the go via Exponent’s 1MW charging network. Additionally, a battery warranty of 6,00,000 km or 3000 battery life cycles, paves the way for better financing options and ease of ownership.

The Veera Mahasamrat EV represents a game-changing advancement for fleet owners, reducing their operating expenses by 30% compared to an ICE bus. For the first time, with 15-minute rapid charging and the Exponent charging network along highways, bus operators can now go electric on long-haul inter-city routes without having to worry about range and long charging time.

Currently, the two companies are focused on electrifying the Bengaluru - Hyderabad route. To support operations, Exponent Energy will deploy four 1 MW charging stations - two at each endpoints and two along the highway - this will ensure bus operators can seamlessly shift from ICE to electric with the same experience of number of stops and downtime per stop.

Celebrating the announcement, K. Srinivas Reddy, Managing Director, Veera Vahan said,

“Today, electric buses are restricted to short-haul or intracity operations due to limited range and long charging time. It’s difficult to package a single battery to deliver 600km of range and with long charging time - customers are not willing to wait for an hour along the highway. Typically, diesel buses stop every 300 km for 15-20 minutes and our unique partnership with Exponent mimics the same experience. Now, bus operators can seamlessly switch to electric with the Veera Mahasamrat EV and save more in their operations!”

The company’s technology stack meticulously manages each cell's characteristics through its BMS, charging algorithms, and thermal management using its proprietary off-board thermal management system - where the charging station actively pumps coolant to the battery while charging to maintain optimal temperature and thus delivering consistent performance even at ambient temperatures as high as 50°C.

Commenting on the announcement, Arun Vinayak, Co-founder & CEO of Exponent Energy stated, “We’re excited to partner with Veera Vahana, a seasoned player in the bus industry, to truly electrify the long-haul intercity bus segment. We’re thrilled to have built the world’s third 1 MW charging technology – after Tesla & Siemens – in India, for India. With freedom & accessibility delivered by 15-minute rapid charging and the Exponent network, we’re committed to enabling all of India to go electric.”

Both Veera and Exponent, as pioneers in the EV sector, remain committed to driving progress and shaping the future of mobility through innovation and collaboration.

About Veera Vahana

Veera is one of the leading bus manufacturer in India. Veera manufacturers various types of buses in ICE & Electric like Tarmac Coach, 13.5mts Mahasamrat  Samrat and 9mts Electric buses. Veera is the leader in Sleeper Coach manufacturing in the country.

To know more visit our website: www.veerabus.com

About Exponent:

Led by Arun Vinayak & Sanjay Byalal, Exponent Energy aims to simplify energy for EVs. The company has built a battery pack named e^pack; charging station called e^pump; and charging connector e^plug that together unlock a 0 to 100% charge in 15 minutes for EVs with any number of wheels & provide a 3000-cycle life warranty – all while using regular Li-ion cells to make rapid charging truly affordable and scalable.

To know more, visit the official Exponent Energy website: www.exponent.energy

Neokred Launches "Blutic": India's First futuristic Consent Manager At Global Fintech Festival

* This cutting-edge platform redefines data compliance, combining Neokred’s expertise with innovative solutions to safeguard user trust and privacy, enabling businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Neokred, a leading name in tech infra innovation, has just announced the launch of its revolutionary product, "Blutic”, India's first futuristic consent manager. This comprehensive data compliance and user empowerment platform is designed to safeguard businesses against evolving regulations while building and maintaining trust with their users in the digital age.

In today's digital landscape, trust is as valuable as gold. A single data breach can compromise an entire business, turning a once-secure vault into a target for malicious actors. Blutic addresses this critical need by providing a solution that not only ensures compliance but also empowers users with unprecedented control over their data. Recognizing that compliance is not merely a protective shield but a delicate balance, Blutic helps businesses navigate the complexities of data privacy regulations with confidence. The platform anticipates changes in privacy laws, ensuring that companies stay ahead of regulatory developments and avoid costly penalties.

Blutic offers a suite of features tailored to modern data management needs. Users can choose which data to share and how it is utilized, granting permissions with complete transparency. This crystal-clear approach allows both businesses and users to know exactly what data is being used, how, and where. Trust is further reinforced through robust encryption, ensuring that data is securely stored within users' devices, and the platform's consent validity feature defines clear time frames for data retention.

For businesses, Blutic presents a range of B2B solutions designed to streamline compliance and boost operational efficiency. The platform automates regulatory workflows and dynamic consent management, eliminating the need for cumbersome paperwork with its streamlined onboarding and digital processes. With Blutic, businesses gain confidence and clarity, thanks to comprehensive audit trails and transparent user complaint mechanisms.

On Launching Blutic, Tarun Nazare, Co-founder and Managing Director of Neokred says, “Blutic is India’s first futuristic consent manager solution. With the introduction of the DPDP Act by the Government of India, focusing on enhancing data privacy of individuals. In the 21st century our basic needs are going through drastic changes, like Data. The DPDP Act enables the new generation to safeguard their data. Data is scattered across multiple platforms and apps in the country today and there is a need to empower the user and the businesses to manage consent in a responsible manner, and this is what Blutic intends to deliver through its revolutionary solution. Blutic helps both businesses and individuals to know what data is being shared, manage time-based consent for specific purposes, delete or revoke the consent as and when needed, and most importantly doing this from a centralised platform of Blutic. Blutic is the future of data privacy and consent management for India."

Blutic's offerings include an open-source login system, easily integrable into corporate infrastructures, and a versatile SDK for managing consent across both new and existing users. The Blutic Portal allows businesses to define consent scopes, edit and modify them as necessary, and maintain detailed consent logs. Key benefits of the Blutic platform include one-click login for seamless and secure onboarding via Blutic OAuth, multilingual options for a more personalized user experience, and dedicated support through a Customer Success Manager to handle client and user queries. Additionally, Blutic features a scoring mechanism to evaluate user authenticity, further enhancing trust, and a dedicated Consent Dashboard to view consent logs, analytics, and manage consent scope.

With Blutic, Neokred sets a new standard for data compliance and user empowerment, providing businesses with the tools they need to navigate the evolving digital landscape confidently and securely. 

About Neokred

Neokred stands at the forefront of India's digital revolution, driven by a passionate commitment to leveraging technology as a catalyst for profound change. Founded with the vision of revolutionizing the financial services industry, Neokred empowers brands to establish deep, trusted connections with their customers through seamless, personalized experiences. The journey began in the early days of Indian tech infra, where Neokred pioneered solutions that reduced go-live times from over 18 months to just three, freeing up resources for continuous innovation. Today, Neokred continues to set global benchmarks in customer experience, utilizing its expertise to shape a future where technology enriches human interaction and cultivates lasting customer loyalty.

Accenture Appoints Arundhati Chakraborty As Group Chief Executive of Accenture Operations

* Yusuf Tayob named Global Communications, Media & Technology Industry Practices Chair

Accenture (NYSE: ACN) today announced that Arundhati Chakraborty has been appointed group chief executive of Accenture Operations, effective as of Sept. 1.

As clients look to reinvent their operations using tech, data and AI, Chakraborty brings an outstanding track record delivering complex transformations, particularly in her current role leading over 185,000 Accenture people across more than 125 Intelligent Operations Centers, focusing on compressed transformation through analytics, artificial intelligence and automation. With 30 years of industry experience, her ability to shape and implement talent strategy across diverse teams will help Accenture create ever greater value for clients around the world. Arundhati will be responsible for growing the company’s $10B Operations business and bringing even greater innovation to Accenture’s clients, tapping vast opportunities created with generative AI and automation.

Yusuf Tayob will become the global Communications, Media & Technology industry practices chair at Accenture. He will leave the role as group chief executive of Operations where he played an essential role pivoting the company’s managed services business to bring new data and AI capabilities to clients. He brings to his new role a unique blend of cross-service skills and industry expertise based on his 20 years of CMT experience. Tayob has held many leadership positions at Accenture, including leading the North America CMT consulting practice and the Salesforce business group in Accenture Technology. His deep industry knowledge and broad experience working with CMT clients make Tayob a uniquely qualified leader to help grow the CMT industry practices.

“With incredibly deep expertise partnering with clients to drive large-scale transformations in their operations, Arundhati is uniquely positioned to lead this critical part of our business,” said Julie Sweet chair and CEO of Accenture. “Arundhati’s commitment to developing talent and new services based on gen AI and automation make her the ideal leader for our Operations business.”

Sweet added, “With his deep industry expertise, commitment to innovation and passion for developing people, Yusuf possesses exceptional qualities to lead our priority industry practices within CMT. I am confident that under his leadership, Accenture will continue to deliver even more value to our clients.”

Chakraborty and Tayob both remain on the Accenture Global Management Committee.

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company that helps the world’s leading businesses, governments and other organizations build their digital core, optimize their operations, accelerate revenue growth, and enhance citizen services—creating tangible value at speed and scale. We are a talent and innovation led company with 750,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Technology is at the core of change today, and we are one of the world’s leaders in helping drive that change, with strong ecosystem relationships. We combine our strength in technology with unmatched industry experience, functional expertise, and global delivery capability. We are uniquely able to deliver tangible outcomes because of our broad range of services, solutions and assets across Strategy & Consulting, Technology, Operations, Industry X and Accenture Song. These capabilities, together with our culture of shared success and commitment to creating 360° value, enable us to help our clients succeed and build trusted, lasting relationships. We measure our success by the 360° value we create for our clients, each other, our shareholders, partners, and communities. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

“My Data Or Yours?” Unravelling Multi-Party Privacy (MPP) Among Consumers Of Digital Credit In India

In the wake of India’s unprecedented surge in digital financial services, IIIT-Bangalore and CUTS International hosted an important workshop in Bangalore to discuss the complexity of Multi-Party Privacy (MPP) within the country’s evolving digital lending sector. At this hybrid event, project findings were presented which have been conducted by the two institutions, with funding from the Centre for Effective Global Action (CEGA) at the University of California, Berkeley, USA.

The research led by Profs. Janaki Srinivasan, V. Sridhar, and T.K. Srikanth from IIIT-Bangalore, along with Amol Kulkarni and Asheef Iqubbal from CUTS, provided insights into privacy and consent challenges in digital lending. The study emphasised that while co-owned data is important for expanding access to credit, users ideally expect consent from all parties involved. However, due to practical reasons many users feel constrained by app designs that lack mechanisms for seeking permission before sharing co-owned data. The study also highlighted that Digital Lending Providers frequently use alternative data sources, such as e-commerce transactions and telecom records, to assess creditworthiness for collateral free loans and it raises multi-party privacy concerns for the consumers. Regulations addressing these concerns in digital lending are still evolving.

The workshop comes at a critical juncture in India’s digital financial expansion, particularly in digital lending. The previous financial year saw an unprecedented 154 billion transactions through the Unified Payment Interface (UPI), accounting for approximately 80% of all payments in the country. Building on this success, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced plans to launch the Unified Lending Interface (ULI), aiming to revolutionise access to digital lending much as UPI transformed digital payments.

The workshop featured insights from leading voices in the digital finance sector. Rakesh Maheshwari, Former Sr. Director and Group Coordinator of Cyber Laws and Data Governance at MeitY, expressed the view that the existing digital lending guidelines released by the RBI and the provisions on consent, data retention, and purpose as outlined in the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act 2023 cover most aspects of privacy applicable to digital lending.

Jatinder Handoo, CEO of the Digital Lenders Association of India (DLAI), provided details on the steps taken by digital lending platforms (DLPs) to comply with privacy and data protection regulations. He highlighted the Self-Regulating Organisation (SRO) model initiated by the RBI as a positive step towards better management of consumer and business interests of DLPs. He also mentioned DLAI's initiatives in creating an open financial fraud repository to facilitate knowledge exchange among DLPs.

Ranjeet Rane, Research Head at the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub, stressed the need to balance regulatory interventions with promoting innovation in the digital lending space. He advocated for both process and product innovation, emphasising the importance of leveraging technological advancements in digital financial services while addressing potential privacy and security concerns of users.

Misha Sharma, Head of Household Finance at Dvara Research, while appreciating the research team's methodology, highlighted the need for benchmark studies to compare DLPs and educate consumers. She also noted that current regulations focus on “consumer verification” and should shift towards “consumer protection.”

Sumit Ghoshal, Senior Partner at AZB & Partners, discussed the high costs incurred by DLPs in complying with multiple regulations (e.g., DPDP Act, Consumer Protection Act, Digital Lending guidelines). He stressed the need for integrating all rules and regulations into a unified framework.

Garima Agarwal, Researcher at the Centre for Internet and Society, emphasised the importance of understanding differential privacy needs for different data segments by DLPs. She also commended the grievance redressal process established by the RBI as a step in the right direction.

The workshop concluded with a number of takeaways for consumers, DLPs, and regulatory organisations. The PIs indicated that the report shall be made available soon in open repository for public use.

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), Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (DSAI), 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). IIIT-Bangalore secured the 74th position in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) rankings for the second consecutive year, 2024 reflecting its commitment to academic excellence. The institute was ranked number 9 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 information about IIIT-Bangalore, visit www.iiitb.ac.in

CredAble Introduces Next-Gen Credit Line For MSMEs, Setting The Stage At Global Fintech Fest

~ CredAble's revolutionary credit solution, "Revolving Short-Term Loans,” makes waves at Global Fintech Fest.

~ Revolving short-term loans will redefine the credit ecosystem for MSMEs. It will empower MSMEs to manage their working capital more effectively by paying interest only on the funds they use and reloading their credit line as they repay.

At the Global Fintech Fest (GFF 2024), the country’s leading FinTech player, CredAble, launched Revolving Short-Term Loans, a transformative credit line that is set to rewrite the rules of financing for businesses of all sizes.

Building on CredAble’s history of financial innovation and laser-sharp focus on the growing needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)—Revolving Short-Term Loans solution is designed to alter how credit is delivered to small businesses and set new standards of excellence in this space.

CredAble’s new product - Revolving Short-Term Loan is a unique and groundbreaking pay-as-you-use working capital credit line that enables small businesses to pay interest only on the funds used. This one-of-a-kind tailor-made and dynamic financing product combine instantaneous digital assessment with the flexibility of collateral-free borrowing.

Over the last few years, CredAble has made remarkable strides in plugging the MSME credit gap through scaled technology, expertise in risk and compliance, and a broad suite of working capital financing solutions.

CredAble’s Revolving Short-Term Loans are designed with the future in mind, addressing small business financing needs head-on and significantly cutting short the credit turnaround time. The solution is tailored to be as agile and adaptable as the businesses it serves.

with reports claiming that 66% of SMEs seek faster credit options, and 55% of them require financing within 7 days—revolving short-term loans pay-as-you-use and reloadable credit models ensure the rapid disbursement of funds, meeting the urgent financing needs of SMEs.

By enabling more than $11 billion in working capital annually, CredAble has carved out a space on the world stage with an extensive client base of banks, enterprises, and SMEs. The company has achieved this with their vast technical excellence, automated credit decisioning capabilities, advanced acceptance scorecards, and several promising developments in the credit ecosystem.

The launch at GFF drew significant attention from attendees and industry leaders, with CredAble securing numerous partnerships to further penetrate the market with its revolving short-term loan solution. CredAble is already in talks with top marketplaces and popular commerce players to integrate the solution directly into such platforms that are frequently used by MSMEs.

Over the last few years, the rapid advancements in the FinTech space have caused a phenomenal transformation across the financial services ecosystem. We are witnessing the rise of new and exciting use cases of on-time and affordable financing, the shift to real-time payments gaining momentum, and the lending ecosystem being redefined to accommodate the needs of the growing MSME sector.

CredAble’s new solution stands to be instrumental in achieving last-mile financial inclusion for MSMEs, offering essential credit access to businesses that have previously been overlooked. Mr. Satyam Agrawal, Global Head of Product & Retail Business Lending, MD ASEAN & ME at CredAble, said, “We believe we are on the cusp of an opportunity to reinvent how we deliver credit to MSMEs. Our innovative revolving short-term loans are set to transform MSME financing with features like one-time credit evaluation, pay-as-you-use financing, and reloadable credit limits. We’re offering a solution that’s incredibly practical for everyday business needs. With flexible repayment options, collateral-free credit, and minimal documentation—we’re setting a new benchmark in credit products and paving the way for an unparalleled borrower experience.”

Mr. Nirav Choksi, Co-founder and CEO of CredAble, commented, “The MSMEs’ needs to access credit instantly are constantly rising, and we’re here to deliver the next-gen credit experiences that they deserve with revolving short-term loans. The need of the hour is to build solutions for thin-file, small-ticket borrowers. Our scale and continuous investment in technology have given us the strong foundation to develop new tools and processes that extend the reach of credit and power cutting-edge innovation in MSME financing.”

CredAble is among the top working capital financing players, leading one of the biggest revolutions in the MSME financing space. Revolving Short-Term Loans is a testament to CredAble’s commitment to driving financial inclusion. This solution not only meets current demands but also sets the stage for future growth and innovation.

Socomec India LBI Receives National Accreditation Board For Testing And Calibration Laboratories (NABL) Certification

~ Data centres, Healthcare, Renewable energy, Infrastructure, Commercial & Industry buildings stand to benefit ~

Socomec's testing laboratory LBI (LAB INDIA) has been accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL) in line with the ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard, which outlines the general requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. Consequently, reports and certificates issued by this laboratory at the Gurgaon manufacturing facility are now authorized to display the ILAC MRA (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation Mutual Recognition Arrangement) mark.

The NABL (National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories) accredited laboratory follows transparent protocols and testing procedures, with thorough documentation of each step, result, and certification. Quality control measures and safety protocols are rigorously enforced throughout the process. Regular calibration and maintenance of equipment ensure precision and reliability, while also creating a safe environment for staff and safeguarding customers' products from damage.

This accreditation supports Socomec's mission to uphold quality and safety across various industries by meeting their specific and rigorous requirements, ensuring reliable and globally recognized testing results. The NABL accreditation is set to benefit all sectors focused by Socomec, including data centres, healthcare, renewable energy, infrastructure, and commercial & industry buildings. Specifically, customers who participate in tenders that require products from independently verified laboratories will be largely benefitted by this certification.

Sharing details about the accreditation, Mr. Meenu Singhal, Regional Managing Director of Socomec, Greater India said, “All our processes adhere to stringent international standards, ensuring accurate measurements and reliable performance. In addition to high-quality products, customers will also receive NABL-accredited lab certificates, reassuring them that they have chosen the best. This further cements our position as a trusted and reliable partner for customers seeking best-in-class power management solutions. We remain committed to continuous improvement, consistently revising and upgrading our Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to integrate industry best practices and technological advancements."

Late last year, Socomec India received its ISO 14001 certificate, an internationally recognized standard given to companies which respond to changing environmental conditions and go the extra mile to protect the environment.

Deputy CM, Karnataka D.K. ShivakumarIinaugurates "Prawaas 4.0" Hosted By Bus And Car Operators Confederation Of India

Highlights

Virtual Address by Shri Nitin Gadkari, Hon’ble Minister for Road Transport & Highways, Govt. of India

Bus & Car Operators Confederation of India’s flagship event Prawaas 4.0 aims to promote Safe, Smart, and Sustainable Passenger Mobility

The 4th edition of the event brings together the entire public transport ecosystem including fleet owners and operators from 28 States and 8 Union Territories

Namma Bengaluru proudly hosts the highly anticipated Prawaas 4.0, inaugurated today by Shri D.K. Shivakumar, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka. This is India’s flagship multimodal event organized by Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), scheduled from August 29th-31st, 2024 at the Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru. The event is supported by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Ministry of Heavy Industries, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India.

The event also featured the video conferencing of Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Hon’ble Minister of Road Transport & Highways, Government of India, which provided encouragement and support to the entire operators fraternity.

The inauguration programme was also graced by Shri Ojing Tasing, the Hon'ble Minister for Rural Development, Panchayat Raj, Co-operation, and Transport, Government of Arunachal Pradesh; Shri Yoonus Khan, Former Transport Minister, Govt. of Rajasthan; Shri Girish Wagh, Executive Director at Tata Motors Limited; Shri S. S. Gill, Chief Commercial Officer at VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. The upcoming days of the event will also see other State’s Ministers, Central & State Government authorities, representation from Transport Departments and State Transport Undertakings.

Organized by BOCI, Prawaas 4.0 is supported by 6 local host associations including the Karnataka State Tourism Private Transport Owner’s Association, Karnataka State Travel Operator’s Association, Karnataka Tourist Motor Cab Maxi Cab Owners Welfare Association (KTOA), Bangalore Tourist Taxi Owners Association (BTTOA), Karnataka State Tourist Bus Operators Association, Karnataka State Bus Owners’ Federation, and event curated by MM Activ Sci-Tech Communications.

The three-day event has brought together leading bus & car operators from across India in nine important segments viz: Intercity, Intracity, School Bus, Employee Transport, Tour Operators, Tourists Cabs, Maxi Cabs, PPP-SPVs and Critical Care.  The event boasts strong operators representation with already 5000 registered operators, with a larger delegation from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, significant numbers from Madhya Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan, West Bengal and special delegation of 80+ members from North East region.

Prawaas 4.0 will showcase a diverse lineup of events, including BOCI Day, an extensive exhibition, a conference, an awards function, leadership talks, and panel discussions featuring industry leaders from across the country. Additionally, the event will introduce a new initiative, BOCI Yuwa, aimed at engaging and empowering the younger generation in

the sector.

Prawaas 4.0, focal theme “Safe, Smart, and Sustainable Passenger Mobility,” is set to be a landmark event, bringing together key stakeholders from across the multimodal transport sector. The exhibition will feature a diverse range of participants, including bus and car manufacturers, fleet operators, and partners from all 28 States and 8 Union Territories of India.

This year’s Conference with over 100 experts addressing Multimodal transportation, PPP model, School buses, Tourism, Electric vehicles (EVs), Insurance, and Car industry will be attended by over 1500 industry representatives. Prawaas 4.0 Exhibition taking place for the first time in Bengaluru will see over 200 exhibitors displaying the innovations from public transport segment. Some of the top exhibitors include, Tata Motors, Volvo Eicher, RedBus, Veera, Abhibus, Prakash, Nippon Paint, JBM Group, Eka Mobility, Repos Energy, Ashok Leyland, Eberspächer, Bosch, Trans ACNR, Spheros Motherson, Futureautotech-Global Ventures, Audi, BMW Deutsche Motoren, Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Renault, Maruti Suzuki, and more.

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Prasanna Patwardhan, President, BOCI said, “With the inauguration of the 4th edition of Prawaas, we mark a significant milestone in our relentless pursuit of transforming India's transportation landscape. At the Bus and Car Operators Confederation of India (BOCI), we are not just envisioning the future; we are actively shaping it by driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and championing sustainable practices across all modes of transportation. Prawaas 4.0 embodies our commitment to addressing the pressing environmental and socio-economic challenges facing the industry. The successful Curtain Raiser programs held in Bengaluru, Guwahati, Pune, Kozhikode, Madurai, Lucknow, and Raipur highlighted the significant engagement of operators and industry representatives. The overwhelming enthusiasm and support from our partners and stakeholders reaffirm that together, we are crafting a future where mobility is not just efficient and inclusive but also a powerful force for change—paving the way for a greener, safer, and more resilient transportation ecosystem."

Prawaas 4.0 will be a groundbreaking event in multimodal transport, featuring insightful dialogues, cutting-edge industry innovations, and a prestigious awards ceremony recognizing exceptional contributions.

For more information, visit www.prawaas.com.

Photo Caption: D.K. Shivakumar, the Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka along with other guests and dignitaries from the industry join together to light the lamp at the inauguration of prestigious event Prawaas 4.0 at BIEC.

Manipal Academy of Higher Education Bags Best Documentary Film Award At Culture Cinema Festival

* MAHE Documentary ‘Living Cultures Of Tulunadu -Bhuta’ Bagged The Best Film Award Under Social Practices Category In C2F2

Manipal Academy of Higher Education achieved a remarkable for its documentary, Living Cultures of Tulunadu - Bhuta, which has been honored with the Best Film Award under the Social Practices category at the prestigious Culture Cinema International Film Festival (C2F2). The award ceremony was held virtually on August 25, 2024.

The documentary was selected from a competitive pool of over 800 entries from across the globe and received official selection in July 2024. After two months of rigorous screening and evaluation by the festival’s esteemed jury, the top 10 films in 15 categories were chosen, with Living Cultures of Tulunadu - Bhuta emerging as the winner in its category.

Dr H S Ballal, Pro Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal also shared his thoughts & stated, “We are immensely proud of this achievement, the documentary not only reflects our commitment to cultural education but also underscores the importance of preserving and promoting lesser-known traditions. It is heartening to see our students and faculty collaborate on projects that have a profound impact on both the academic and cultural landscapes as we will keep pushing boundaries of creativity.”

Lt Gen (Dr) M D Venkatesh, VSM (Retd), Vice Chancellor, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, “This prestigious is award is a testament to the dedication and creativity of our team in bringing the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Tulunadu to the forefront. At MAHE, we strive to foster an environment where academic excellence and cultural preservation go hand in hand. The recognition from Culture Cinema International Film Festival is a significant milestone which will motivate us to continue our efforts in showcasing India’s vibrant cultural tapestry to the world.”

Praveen Shetty, Assistant Professor, Coordinator Centre for Intercultural Studies and Dialogue, Dept of Humanities & Management & MIT, MAHE stated that “This is a remarkable achievement, and we are grateful to all the students & faculties who have provided their invaluable support. Our team has also been invited to participate in interactive sessions with students during the screenings, providing a platform for deeper discussions on the cultural themes explored in the film.”

C2F2-in-The-Campus, a unique initiative of the festival, aims to bring award-winning films to the youth in colleges and universities across India, allowing them to experience and engage with diverse global cultures. The films will be screened across several Universities: Bennett University, Greater NOIDA, Delhi Metropolitan Education, NOIDA, Pandit Deendayal Energy University, Gandhinagar, Presidency University, Bengaluru &RV University, Bengaluru. Culture Cinema Film Festival (C2F2) is organized to commemorate the UN-declared "World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development" that falls upon 21st May 2024. Held every year on 21st May, this day celebrates not only the richness of the world’s cultures but also the essential role of intercultural dialogue in achieving peace and sustainable development. 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education

Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams; through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bangalore, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 4th in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and an enriching campus life, as well as for national & multi-national corporates looking for top talent.

Marriott International Signs Agreement With The Icon Group To Debut The Fairfield By Marriott Brand In Mohali, Punjab Near Chandigarh

Marriott International, Inc. announced a signed agreement with The Icon Group to debut the Fairfield by Marriott brand in one of India’s most well-designed cities, Mohali, in Chandigarh. Expected to feature 106 keys, the hotel will be part of a mixed-use development project, encompassing a well-distributed retail space and a multiplex cinema. Anticipated to open in January 2027, the hotel’s design will take inspiration from its natural surroundings, delivering the beauty of simplicity for guests who appreciate an efficient and reliable stay experience.

“We are thrilled to work with The Icon Group to introduce the Fairfield by Marriott brand to Mohali, a city poised for tremendous growth with its strategic location, robust infrastructure, and rapid urbanization,” said Ranju Alex- Area Vice President, South Asia, Marriott International. “This signing underscores our commitment to growing the presence of this trusted brand across the booming tier two and tier three markets of India while delivering on the brands principles of friendly service, reliability, and warm hospitality.”

Conveniently located only 20 minutes from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Airport and 10 minutes from the Mohali Railway Station, the hotel will make for an ideal choice for guests looking to maintain their routines while on the road, providing an effortless experience with its contemporary, uplifting design. The public areas are set to be designed with flexible social spaces where guests can connect with fellow travelers or unwind in the company of friends. Guests can also expect a harmonious blend of functionality, comfort, and enriching décor featuring natural materials and thoughtfully selected amenities.

Sharing their thoughts on this strategic signing Mr. Rajesh Puri & Mr. Ajay Sehgal, Managing Directors, ICON Group stated – “We are delighted to collaborate with Marriott international to introduce the Fairfield by Marriott brand to Mohali.  Inspired by the beauty of simplicity and located within close proximity to key tourist attractions, cultural landmarks and business centers, this hotel is poised to deliver an inviting and seamless experience, becoming the destination of choice for travellers.

“We are thrilled to offer guests an inspiring travel experience in this dynamic city. By sharing our core values of integrity, teamwork, and leadership, this collaboration with Marriott International reflects our commitment to growth in the region. We look forward to a very promising journey ahead and our continued progress in the hospitality sector," added Nikhil Puri, Director ICON group.

Plans also include for the hotel to feature a convenient all-day dining restaurant, with nutritious and smart food options providing a healthy start to the day, as well as a fully equipped gym, for guests to maintain their fitness schedules while traveling.

Revolutionizing Blockchain Technology: MAI Labs Introduces KALP Studio, A Complete Infrastructure For Blockchain Development

MAI Labs is proud to announce the launch of KALP Studio, a revolutionary platform designed to democratize Blockchain and Web 3.0 development for developers of all experience levels. With the ability to build products on KALP DLT or even create entirely new chains, KALP Studio offers an unprecedented ecosystem

As a powerful platform, KALP Studio is a unique, all-in-one platform that offers a complete eco-system with pre-built DIY modules and robust infrastructure. It enables the fastest deployment of decentralized applications (dApps), adaptable to any industry or use case ripe for Blockchain disruption. Solutions built on KALP Studio are not only scalable and secure but also fully compliant, making them ideal for enterprise-grade innovations.

Mr. Mrityuanjaya Prajapati, Founder & CEO, KALP Studio, at the launch said, “By 2030, the Blockchain market is expected to cross $3.1 trillion, worldwide. The Blockchain industry still faces three major challenges in such a rapidly growing market. Firstly, there is a lack of availability of Blockchain experts to meet the expediting requirements. Secondly, the turnaround time within the market is too long. And thirdly, the overall cost of development is too high to adopt the advanced Blockchain technology. 

“The vision to build KALP Studio to address these challenges and support the Global Blockchain developers' community and businesses with a premium & wholesome infrastructure. Thus, the industry can leverage the full potential of the market with groundbreaking Blockchain & Web3 innovations.” Tapan Sangal, Founder of MAI Labs, highlighting some of the unique offering said, “KALP Studio is a revolutionary platform for the Blockchain industry. Being a chain-agnostic wholesome infrastructure with pre-built DIY modules, it can build disruptive industry solutions on Blockchain. It exponentially reduces costs and accelerate the project turnaround time. Overall, KALP Studio is an exclusive experience for developers with its advanced customization options and the best UI/UX.”

Considering the advance technology capabilities of the platform, KALP Studio is already selected as an exclusive platform for building Blockchain Projects, for “BUILD Hackathon”. 

About KALP Studio:

KALP Studio, a product of KALP Digital, is a one-stop Blockchain Development infrastructure. It has an extensive ready-to-use module library for (dApps), future-centric features, third party integration & advanced customization capabilities, the best UI/UX and a complete supportive ecosystem to develop anything Blockchain.  It can accelerate even the most innovative, scalable & complex Blockchain solutions development, seamlessly.

About MAI Labs:

MAI Labs is a deep tech company committed to democratizing and empowering users worldwide with accessible, innovative, and cutting-edge technologies. With a presence in the United States, India, Mauritius, Singapore and Dubai, MAI Labs leads a portfolio of ventures including MayaaVerse,Kalp Studio STOEX, MyIPR, and NIFTIQ among others, all dedicated to democratizing access and providing creative, immersive solutions. 

Tata Motors Showcases Safe, Smart And Sustainable Mass Mobility Solutions At Prawaas 4.0 In Bengaluru

* Unveils the all-new Tata Ultra EV 7M for green intra-city mass mobility

Tata Motors, India's largest commercial vehicle manufacturer, showcased an impressive array of cutting-edge mass mobility solutions at Prawaas 4.0 – a 3-day biennial event highlighting safe, smart and sustainable integrated mass mobility solutions in Bengaluru. The company unveiled an all-new Tata Ultra EV 7M – a zero-emission, intra-city electric bus designed and engineered to perfectly suit the requirements for urban mass mobility. Tata Motors also showcased a diverse range of passenger transport solutions including the Tata Magna EV, Tata Magic Bi-fuel, Tata Ultra Prime CNG, Tata Winger 9S, Tata CityRide Prime and Tata LPO 1822, all aimed at offering customized solutions in varied applications and duty cycles.

The all-new Tata Ultra EV 7M offers comfortable seating for 21 passengers and is perfectly suited to tackle narrow lanes and high-traffic urban landscapes with its easy manoeuvrability and ideal dimensions. It is powered by a 213kW electric motor and IP67-rated 200kWh Li-ion battery. It offers a range of up to 160 km in a single charge and comes with fast charging capability, enabling a full charge in just 2.5 hours. The fully electric drivetrain is complemented by advanced safety features, including an electronic braking system and electronic stability control. The bus is equipped with an Automatic Passenger Counter and boasts high safety and security standards with its Intelligent Transport System (ITS). Additionally, the Ultra EV 7M incorporates regenerative braking technology, further enhancing its efficiency and range. 

Commenting on the unveiling, Mr. Anand S, Vice President and Head – Commercial Passenger Vehicle Business, Tata Motors, said, "Prawaas 4.0's theme of safe, smart, and sustainable mobility perfectly aligns with our vision. This event provides us a unique opportunity to engage with stakeholders and showcase our cutting-edge solutions. We are proud to present a wide range of exhibits that offer customised solutions in their respective segments, including our latest offering, the Ultra EV 7M, in the electric bus space. This all-new model is perfectly suited for both metros and smaller cities, addressing the unique demands of our customers. Our participation in Prawaas 4.0 underscores our dedication to providing innovative, efficient and sustainable mobility solutions that ensure high earning potential and profitability for our customers."

Tata Motors leads the charge in shaping the future of mobility with its clean and sustainable solutions across multiple powertrains and emission technologies. The company leads the market in electric buses segment, with over 2,900 e-buses deployed across India, covering an impressive cumulative distance of over 16 crore kilometres. Additionally, the company is a pioneer in advancing hydrogen fuel cell transport solutions within the country. With a wide range of alternate fuel powered vehicles, Tata Motors ensures lower operational costs and higher profitability for operators. Furthermore, Tata Motors enhances its solutions with Fleet Edge, a connected vehicle platform that leverages smart technologies to improve fleet management, vehicle uptime and safety.

About Tata Motors:

Part of the USD 165 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 44 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups,  trucks, and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart, and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and ranks among the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that captivate the imagination of GenNext customers, fuelled by state-of-the-art design and R&D centres located in India, the UK, the US, Italy, and South Korea. By focusing on engineering and tech- enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused on developing pioneering technologies that are both sustainable and suited to the evolving market and customer aspirations. The company is pioneering India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by developing a tailored product strategy, leveraging the synergy between Group companies and playing an active role in liaising with the Government of India in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, UK, South Korea, Thailand and Indonesia, Tata Motors markets its vehicles in Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, Southeast Asia, and the SAARC countries. As of March 31, 2024, Tata Motors’ operations include 90 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, five joint ventures, and numerous equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, over which the company exercises significant influence.

Shaquille O’Neal Swaps The Court For Cuisine In Abu Dhabi’s Street Food Series

* The NBA legend takes a light-hearted look around the city’s culinary gems on a thrilling tasting tour 

If you’ve been thinking of exploring some of the diverse flavours of Abu Dhabi’s delicious street food culture, NBA star Shaquille O’Neal has already done the footwork for you.

The sporting legend swaps the court for cuisine in a series of films that sees Shaq discovering Abu Dhabi’s diverse street food scene while leaving his own food reviews as he explores the flavours and characters behind Emirati and Middle Eastern Street food.

Embark on a culinary adventure with Shaq through a series of films as he explores the heart and soul of Abu Dhabi's street food scene. From traditional Emirati dishes to Middle Eastern favourites, he's savouring every bite and sharing his discoveries through Google reviews.

Diving headfirst into the heart of Abu Dhabi's foodie-favourite street food spots, each episode of "Shaq's Abu Dhabi Street Food Journey," sees the larger-than-life personality immersed in the city as he explores eight different foodie hotspots. Here’s the first look à https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DRSSOyEnZhI

Shaq first visits Al Dhafra restaurant, an authentic Emirati cuisine spot, with a group of locals, where he’ghuzs introduced to lamb ghouzi (a traditional Emirati rice dish). Shaq marvels at the mix of meat, rice and spices, and attributes the ingredient’s “teamwork” to making this a highlight dish. In upcoming episodes, he likens the tasty, sweet luqaimat (sweet dough balls with date syrup) at Luqaimat and Chebab to “mini basketballs” and gives his taste buds a more familiar treat at Mo’s Joint with their takeaway Classic Burger, giving a shout-out to its special Abu Dhabi sauce as “the MVP.”

But Shaq doesn't just eat the food – he gets in on the action! Inspired by the city's culinary creativity, he heads to Beit El Khetyar and creates a giant shawarma, a limited edition “Shaqwarma” that’s sure to satisfy even the biggest appetites.

Shaq's infectious enthusiasm and adventurous spirit match the melting pot of flavours that define Abu Dhabi's street food scene. With each bite, he uncovers different cultural influences that make this city's street food scene so unique.

Shaq also shares humorous and insightful commentary about his culinary adventures in Al Sultan Sweets (a crowd favourite Arabic sweets shop), India Palace Restaurant. (authentic Indian cuisine), Bu Tafish (a traditional seafood dining establishment since 1968) and Seashell (Abu Dhabi’s unique twist on fast food favourites).

A supersized NBA superstar partnered with a city steeped in a rich culinary street food heritage. Together, Shaquille O’Neal and Abu Dhabi make a truly unbeatable team.

Find out more à https://visitabudhabi.ae/en/plan-your-trip/article-hub/street-bites-with-shaq

About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors and its creative industries, fuelling economic progress and helping to achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions.

By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

 For more information about the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and the destination, visit: dct.gov.ae and visitabudhabi.ae

HCL Tech - Steadfast Execution To Drive Consistent Performance

August 29, 2024

ADD

Information Technology   

Analyst Meet Update   

TARGET PRICE (Rs) : 1,850

We attended HCLT’s ‘Analyst Day’ to understand its growth strategy and business outlook. KTAs: 1) Mgmt highlighted that industry is at a major inflection point, with rising adoption of AI. HCLT is well placed to benefit from the growing addressable IT Services market (~USD2trn by 2030) and its investments in fast-growing areas like data and AI, SAP cloud services market, cyber security, cloud migration, etc which create opportunities for double-digit growth in the medium term. 2) It indicated that demand setting is a tad more optimistic vs a few months ago, esp in BFSI. It expects TMT to continue seeing faster growth than peers. 3) HCLT delivered superior performance, backed by its cultural DNA, balanced portfolio, client mining and participation in large deals, passionate people, and strong governance. It plans to improve market participation with better G2000 /future G2000 coverage which will help sustain and accelerate growth. We roll fwd TP to Sep-25E, and lift up our target multiple to 25x (23x earlier); retain ADD and raise TP to Rs1,850 at 25x its Sep-26E EPS.

Growth leadership to continue

HCLT has delivered industry-leading organic growth over the last 2 years. Management remains confident of sustaining growth leadership in coming years, on the back of a) cultural DNA—entrepreneurial and empowering environment, stable & home-grown leadership, innovation driven by engineering pedigree, art of the possible - pragmatic approach to solutions, b) its all-weather portfolio (right mix of discretionary and non-discretionary services and IP) made possible by the execution of its Mode 1-2-3 strategy since 2016, c) client experience – 22 clients with a >USD100mn relationship versus 16 in FY22; track record of winning and executing large deals, d) passionate people with expansion into near-shore (headcount grew to 24,797 vs 21,497 in FY22) and new vistas (it India new vistas headcount scaled up to 25,218 vs 19,291 in FY22), e) approach to ESG (diverse board—70% independent, gender-balanced). Mgmt highlighted that the industry is at major inflection point, with growing adoption of AI. HCLT is well placed to benefit from the expanding addressable IT Services market (~USD2trn by 2030) and its investments in fast-growing areas like data and AI, SAP cloud services market, cyber security, cloud migration, etc which create opportunities to potentially see double-digit growth over the medium term. The Data and AI segment is poised to clock 19.1% CAGR, with the SAP cloud platform services market seeing CAGR of 26%. The TMT segment is registering the fastest growth among peers which it expects to maintain over the next 2 years. CSP industry tech spending remains one of the highest and is expected to register 8% CAGR, as telcos are seeing major transformation into service-oriented players driven by data. Semiconductor engineering is a key driver for HCLT in the TMT. HCLT is well positioned to see benefits, as it has presence in the entire ecosystem – from chip to cloud, as also driving AI transformation. In the BFSI segment, HCLT is focusing on white spaces seen in insurance brokerage firms, specialized banks, and large central banks.

‘Project Ascend’ to drive margin improvement

HCLT has launched ‘Project Ascend’ that focuses on 7 tracks for driving efficiencies and improving margin. These tracks are: GenAI-led delivery transformation (coding productivity, operational/managed services automation); employee pyramid (gain traction with growth acceleration); upskilling/reskilling via AI-led customized learning programs to improve utilization and productivity; new vistas in India drive operations stability; G&A optimization; non-linear models (leveraging industry-focused solutions and accelerators); GDM (nearshore-offshore mix). Some of these savings though are expected to be offset by planned investments in GenAI solutions development and S&M.