Launching of FRUITS Portal - An Initiative of e-Governance Department, Government of Karnataka

A function was organized on 22 December 2020 at NABARD, Karnataka Regional Office, wherein the “FRUITS” (Farmer Registration and Unified beneficiary Information System) Portal, a project of e-Governance, Government of Karnataka was inaugurated. 

Delivering the keynote address, Ms. A. Manimekhalai, Executive Director, Canara Bank, observed that Karnataka State Government has always been in the forefront of technical initiatives to improve the ease of Banking as can be seen from the various initiatives like BHOOMI Package, Debt Waiver Portal and currently, the FRUITS Portal.  The FRUITS Portal is integrated to the BHOOMI Package of the Karnataka State for fetching and validating the land details.  One other important facility of this Portal is online creation of charge by which visit of farmers to Sub-Registrar Office is avoided. She thanked the Karnataka State Government and NABARD for identifying our Bank for launching the pilot project and assured that they will take all necessary steps to make the Project, a success.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Rajeev Chawla, Additional Chief Secretary,                  e-Governance, Government of Karnataka informed that this is the latest initiative from the Government of Karnataka to bring all the farmers in the State with land and other details to a single Portal.  In this Portal, all the farmers will be registered and given a FID Number.  Using this number, the Financial Institutions and Lending Institutions can access the land details of the farmers as well as their borrowings and take a quick decision on lending to the farmers depending on their requirements.  It is hoped that Bankers will find this initiative, a very useful one.  He also lauded Canara Bank for agreeing to take up the Project on a pilot basis.   Once the same is found successful, all other Financial Institutions will be brought on to the Portal so that at one place, all the data pertaining to the loans of the farmers will be available.

Sri Niraj Verma, Chief General Manager & Head of Karnataka Regional Office, NABARD informed that NABARD is always in the forefront to enable improvements in the living standards of farmers by taking initiatives in various fronts such as providing refinance at cheaper rates to Societies and RRBs etc.  He also informed that FRUITS Portal is the first of its kind in the country wherein the land and other details of all the farmers in the State are being captured and he hoped that this Project should serve as a role model to other States in the country.  Karnataka, being the IT Hub of the country, always had tech-enabled initiatives and this FRUITS Portal is one such proposal from the Government.  He also appreciated Canara Bank for accepting the pilot Project and hoped that soon all financial institutions will be onboarded to the Portal so as to have a single data source of the farmers. He thanked Department of e-Governance, Government of Karnataka for spearheading this initiative.

The gathering was welcomed by Dr K U Viswanathan, General Manager, NABARD and vote of thanks was proposed by Sri K.R. Badrinath, Deputy General Manager, Canara Bank.

Edtech Platform edWisor Launches edWisor Academy for Engineering and Management Candidates

Committed to resolving the tech employability issue, the leading edtech platform, edWisor, has launched edWisor Online Academy. The academy aims at training students and freshers from Engineering and Management backgrounds, in Sales, Business Development, MERN Stack, Data Analysis, and Business Intelligence functions online.

The edWisor Academy will replicate the necessary elements of a regular offline college such as hands-on experience and real-time projects into their edtech platform. It will also keep smaller batch sizes to increase interaction and personalize the learning experience for an individual.

The 100% live learning platform is not only instrumental in addressing the skill deficit but also the employability pool of Engineering, and Marketing candidates by guaranteeing placements into reputed partner organizations. Moreover, their income sharing agreement (ISA) model allows students to undergo training for different subjects after the payment of registration fees, without having to pay for the entire course upfront. The student is only liable to pay the course amount once they gain employment, which eliminates the burden of fee from the students, enabling them to focus solely on getting skilled. The onus of employability thus shifts from the students to the EdTech platform.

The payment plan for the respective course comes with an EMI option. As per the agreement, students can pay back the course fee from their annual CTC in installments.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Ramandeep Arora, Founder and CEO, edWisor, said, "We are excited to take upskilling to the next level. edWisor Academy has a student-first policy, wherein we bring experiential training under the guidance of industry experts, just like a regular college, to an online platform. In fact, we have taken it up by more than just a notch with our smaller batch sizes that give students the individual attention that they require, and don't generally receive in a regular classroom. This way, they will be readily deployable at the onset, making them desirable for any tech role."

About edwisor:

Started in 2015 in Gurugram, edWisor is solving the problem of unemployability by connecting job seekers with experienced professionals from the industry who act as mentors in providing technical skills that are in demand among employers. Apart from acquiring technical skills, the platform also focuses on grooming the candidates through mock sessions and soft skills that better prepare them for interviews.

Local Services is Recovering in the New Normal: Market Study

* Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai lead the demand for online services

* Domestic Help Services, Placement Consultancies & Competitive Exam Coaching are the top leading service categories

A study undertaken by Sulekha.com, India’s leading AI-driven tech platform for expert services has unveiled interesting trends and insights about the service categories that have seen an increase from JAS (July – September) to OND (October – December).

This study is based on visits and searches by nearly 8,00,000 users across top 8 cities that landed on Sulekha through JAS (July – September) to OND (October – December).

Key findings of the study:

* The top 3 service categories that have seen a spike in online searches include Domestic Help Services, Placement Consultancies & Competitive Exam Coaching.

* Owing to the pandemic, increasingly people are working from home, which is clearly indicated by the rise in demand for Internet service providers and domestic help services.

* Comparing the growth in online searches for service categories from July – September 2020 and October – December 2020, the services grew by 95% for the top 8 cities.

* The top 5 cities that are leading in online searches across service categories include: Delhi, Bangalore and Mumbai followed by Hyderabad and Chennai.

* In Delhi, the top 3 services that are leading include: Domestic Help Services, Placement Consultancies and Job Training. These services have grown by 84% quarter on quarter (JAS quarter vs OND quarter).

* In Bangalore, the top 3 services that are leading include: Placement Consultancies and Domestic Help Services and Paying Guests. These services have grown by 120% quarter on quarter (JAS quarter vs OND quarter).

* In Mumbai, the top 3 services that are leading include: Placement Consultancies, Job Training and Vehicle Rentals. These services have grown by 120% quarter on quarter (JAS quarter vs OND quarter).

* In Hyderabad, the top 3 services that are leading include: Domestic Help Services, Vehicle Rentals and Placement Consultancies. These services have grown by 128% quarter on quarter (JAS quarter vs OND quarter).

* In Chennai, the top 3 services that are leading include: Paying Guests, Domestic Help Services and Placement Consultancies. These services have grown by 75% quarter on quarter (JAS quarter vs OND quarter).

Satya Prabhakar, Founder & CEO, Sulekha.com, said, “According to CMIE (Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy), 5.5 lakh Indians lost their jobs in October 2020[1]. This is reflected in our study wherein we have witnessed continuous increase in online searches for service categories such as Placement Consultancies and Job Training. Interestingly, the number of people searching for vehicle rentals has also increased – as the unlock period progresses further.”

Vi Inks Strategic Partnership with Firework to Offer Vertical Video Stories to its Users

With the vision to offer exceptional customer experience, India’s leading telecom operator Vi has inked a strategic partnership with Firework, the world’s largest story publishing platform based in Silicon Valley.

This is the first time any Indian telecom operator has taken the lead to introduce the Stories format to its users. Globally, almost every platform is adopting the Stories format to enable higher engagement for its audiences. The partnership allows Vi to leverage Firework's massive content repository from global content studios and also get access to unique occupational generated content (OGC) creators who are expert storytellers across a wide genre of subjects.

Avneesh Khosla, Chief Marketing Officer, Vi said, “We provide an array of content from multiple OTT players varying across genres like Live TV, Movies and Web Series in multiple languages on Vi Movies and TV app. Vi is excited to be the 1st Telco to partner with Firework for powering the most trending short videos, specially curated for Vi customers. The format is designed to entertain you in “30 seconds” across various categories and interests. Mobiles have become the preferred screens for entertainment and the average time spent on watching short videos is significantly higher than long-form content, demonstrating that the engagement levels provided by short videos remain unparalleled. Through our partnership with Firework, Vi subscribers will get a wide choice of trending stories across genre and languages.”

Speaking about the partnership, Anand Vidyanand, President, Mobile at Firework said, “Firework, one of the first short video platforms to launch globally on Telco OTT, is excited to be partnering with a thought-leader like Vi to enhance their customer experience through continued innovation. Vi’s users can now enjoy their favorite content without the need of downloading another app. Vertical short-form video is the most effective form of mobile story-telling today and with this partnership, Firework is further strengthening its reach across Telecom operators, device manufacturers, and app developers. Firework is fully committed to Vi’s vision in bringing the best occupationally generated short-video content to its customers across nearly 40 delightful categories, including multiple Indic languages.”

While the collaboration enhances Vi’s customer experience and Firework’s reach significantly, it also addresses the need of the creator community with exceptional discoverability in a cluttered content space, pivotal on Firework’s large story ecosystem globally that include top tier traditional publishers, OEMs, network operators, and blogs.

About VI:

Vodafone Idea Limited is an Aditya Birla Group and Vodafone Group partnership. It is India’s leading telecom service provider. The Company provides pan India Voice and Data services across 2G, 3G and 4G platform. With the large spectrum portfolio to support the growing demand for data and voice, the company is committed to deliver delightful customer experiences and contribute towards creating a truly ‘Digital India’ by enabling millions of citizens to connect and build a better tomorrow. The Company is developing infrastructure to introduce newer and smarter technologies, making both retail and enterprise customers future ready with innovative offerings, conveniently accessible through an ecosystem of digital channels as well as extensive on-ground presence. The Company is listed on National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India.

ITC Launches Origami Notebooks Under its New Classmate Interaktiv Series to Foster Creativity in Children

• Running “Origami Champions contest” on Classmate’s Facebook or Instagram handle as part of the launch

• Classmate Origami Notebooks are available at select stationery outlets, Amazon, Flipkart and Big Basket

Classmate Origami Launch Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ybSOlczVbE&feature=youtu.be

ITC Classmate, India’s No.1 notebook brand with an unmatched product quality and a strong commitment to partnering students in their journey of learning and development, has launched Origami notebooks, the first in the series of engagement-based notebooks, under its Classmate Interaktiv series. Aimed at encouraging students to learn through “Do It Yourself” activities, these Origami notebooks will enhance their creativity and imagination through experiential learning. 

Do-it-yourself learning style is changing the way education is imparted worldwide. According to recent survey results, there is a growing belief that self-service instruction will become more prevalent for lifelong learning. And towards this, learners are "patching together" their education from a "menu of options," including self-teaching, short courses and bootcamps. 

The Interaktiv series notebook marks ITC Classmate’s commitment towards augmenting students’ learning through constant engagement, learning, and interactivity. The Origami notebooks include specialized DIY Origami sheets and would focus on enhanced consumer engagements through videos, contests and so on. This will be followed by more unique product offerings and collaborations in the months to come, which will enable learning and creativity amongst young consumers.

As part of the launch, Classmate is running the “Origami Champions contest” where anyone who collects all 8 designs and shares the same on Classmate’s Facebook or Instagram handle, stands a chance to win exclusive gifts from classmate. Classmate Origami Notebooks are available at select stationery outlets, Amazon, Flipkart and Big Basket. Origami is the art of folding paper to make models which will help kids to improve their visualization skills, develop imagination and improve concentration; thus, helping children exercise their creativity.

Speaking about the launch, Mr. Vikas Gupta, Chief Executive, Education and Stationary Products Business Division, ITC Ltd., said, “ITC Classmate has at its core the driving commitment to ensure consumer delight with its high-quality, innovative and visually appealing products. In accordance with ITC’s focus on continuous innovation, we believe in encouraging children to learn through experiential knowledge. Classmate through its Interaktiv series wants to ensure that kids enjoy the process of learning through curiosity and imagination.”

This journey of Classmate notebook from a physical notes-taking tool to a more meaningful 360-degree engagement tool marks a strategic shift by the brand to make learning more exciting and interactive.

Classmate believes in the “Joy of Learning” and believes that learning must be an exciting and engaging experience for students. Classmate Origami notebooks are exercise notebooks with 2 additional origami sheets as part of the notebook and include exciting models replete with detailed step by step instructions to create the model. Few of the models include - Fighter Jet, Samurai Hat, Car, Lion, Elephant, Crab, Fox and Giraffe. There are also detailed videos uploaded on www.classmateshop.com where the student can view the making of various models.

ITC’s Classmate and Paperkraft brands, which are both market leaders in their segments, have delighted consumers with high quality products, differentiated offerings and environment friendly paper that is sourced from renewable forestry. Classmate has always been invested in the enhancement of the learning experience through its various innovative product innovations.

The price for a Origami notebook is Rs 50 for 172 pages in both ruled and un-ruled formats. 

Consumers can order Origami notebooks from Amazon - https://www.amazon.in/dp/B08H91YCYM/ref=cm_sw_r_wa_apa_fabc_prA2FbDY04ZQP

The Interaktiv Origami notebooks are also available on the brand's own personalisation portal - https://www.classmateshop.com/ -

Celebrate the Holiday Season in Style with Two Special Fans from the House of Fanzart

Fanzart launches two plush models Jumble and Magnolia to welcome the spirit of Yuletide and bid a cheerful adieu to 2020.

Synonymous with luxury, class and elegance, Fanzart fans have always been known for their innovative designs and superlative aesthetics.  A perfect balance of form and function, fans from Fanzart seamlessly blend beauty and performance.  In line with its existing legacy of luxurious fans, the company has launched two swanky models just in time for the festive season. 

So, with Santa coming in a tad early, here is your chance to infuse more sparkle to your Christmas décor, more zing to your celebrations and add that much needed cheer as you end what has been one of the most difficult years in recent times.  These fans are sure to add the ‘oomph factor’ to your interiors while giving your space the perfect ‘upgrade’ for the festive season. 

These fans are ideal if you want to gift yourself something exclusive and special.  “The natural albeit unplanned relation between Christmas and our fans is the kind of emotions they evoke; the feeling of beauty, festivity, joy, intimacy and celebration. They both add art and accentuate the beauty of homes and turn them into designer homes. By ‘design’- I mean the perfect blend of beauty, functionality and technology” says Mr. Tarun Lala, Executive Director, Fanzart.

Jumble

Fanzart’s Jumble which is akin to a piece of modern art is sure to be a conversation starter in any home.  This one has an ornate design with intertwined LED casing which not only creates the perfect play of light by illuminating your room but also emanates the perfect breeze which is both powerful and refreshing.  This is made possible by vortex blades which is a new technology that displaces copious amounts of air. This statement piece effortlessly adds the ‘designer’ vibe to your space and is perfectly suited for your living room, foyer area and even bedrooms.  The cherry on the cake is the fact that this model is built with the Whisper Quiet Technology which is so important for that peaceful, uninterrupted sleep apart from other features that make it both stylish and sustainable.

Cost: INR 29,990/-

Highlights: BLDC Motor, 5D Vortex Blades, Summer Winter Feature.

Magnolia

A symbol of opulence that is crafted in the shape of the beautiful Magnolia flower, Magnolia from Fanzart is perfect for large spaces.  Designed with multi-color LED lights that appear to radiate from the flower, the fan comes with four light options - Warm, Day, White and Mood lighting that allows you to set the right tone and ambience for your space.  This 43-inch ceiling fan not only adds an element of sophistication but also has a unique sleep feature which when turned on alternates speeds.  This creates a perfect balance between breeze and relief making it a panacea for a good nights’ sleep.

Cost: INR 29,990/-

Highlights: Whisper Quiet Technology, BLDC Motor, Multicolour Lighting, Summer Winter Feature

About Fanzart:

A pioneer and leader in the luxury designer fans segment since 2012, Fanzart fans are not only beautiful and elegant but robust and functional too.  Blending technology with aesthetics, Fanzart aims to add art to ceilings while making Designer fans for Designer homes.  With showrooms across the country, Fanzart offers a wide range of premium fan collections including Vintage, Contemporary, Kids, Colossal and Smart Series collections among other interesting ranges. With a presence in over 35 to 50 cities across India, Fanzart’s products have been shipped internationally too.

For more information on Fanzart, please visit www.fanzartfans.com 

Veritas Launches New Center of Excellence in Balewadi, Pune; Bolsters Localization and Global R&D Support

 

* New state-of-the-art facility can accommodate over 2,000 employees, dedicated to serving customers across the globe

* Veritas supports 87% of the Fortune Global 500, including leading Indian companies

Veritas Technologies, a global leader in data protection, availability and insights, announced the launch of a new Center of Excellence (CoE) in Balewadi region of Pune, Maharashtra. The new modern facility stretching over 273,000 square feet underscores Veritas’ continued commitment to deliver market-leading solutions to support both local and global customers. The fully functional new CoE – a strategic investment by Veritas – can accommodate over 2,000 employees from cross-functional teams including engineering, technical support, IT, sales operations, finance, HR, and legal, dedicated to serving customers across the globe.

“India is a strategic market for Veritas. Our new Centre of Excellence reflects a strong vote of confidence in the growth potential and talent base present in India. We want to attract the brightest and best employees to help us deliver market-leading solutions to the world’s leading companies. Our new facility in Pune gives us a fantastic environment to develop and showcase our products. At Veritas, we will continue to invest regionally into the future, to drive innovation aligned with market requirements,” said Mark Nutt, Senior Vice President, International Sales, Veritas.

With a state-of-the-art modern building equipped with employee-centric infrastructure, the new LEED certified facility caters to the wellbeing, health, and ergonomic comfort of employees. By creating an inviting working environment, Veritas seeks to provide the right space for its highly talented team to drive rich product innovation and demonstrate development expertise. The new facility is also designed to host customers and foster close interaction with the engineering teams as they participate in the product-innovation process.

“We are elated to announce the launch of our state-of-the-art modern facility – designed to provide end-to-end research and innovation capabilities to develop world-class technologies that will further empower our local and global customers to bolster the resiliency of their infrastructure and business applications wherever it might be – from edge, to core to cloud,” said Vijay Mhaskar, Vice President of Engineering, India region, Veritas.

Veritas has been a steady partner of India’s IT growth over the past 25 years and is helping customers in their data management strategy to reduce risk, optimize cost, strengthen ransomware resiliency, achieve digital compliance and manage multi-cloud environments at scale. Since its inception, the Veritas team in India has celebrated a culture of innovation, contributing to more than 500 patents and playing a key role in developing the technology behind Veritas’s flagship products, which are used by 87% of the Fortune Global 500.

Veritas is firmly established in the community in Pune, enjoys strong working relationships with numerous prestigious education institutes and collaboratively offers training and internship programs to students. Veritas believes in nurturing local talent for the future as it expands its presence in India.

Candidates who are interested in pursuing a career with Veritas should visit the Veritas Careers Page online.

About Veritas

Veritas Technologies is a global leader in data protection, availability and insights. Over 80,000 customers—including 87 percent of the Fortune Global 500—rely on us to abstract IT complexity and simplify data management. The Veritas Enterprise Data Services Platform automates the protection and orchestrates the recovery of data everywhere it lives, ensures 24/7 availability of business-critical applications, and provides enterprises with the insights they need to comply with evolving data regulations. With a reputation for reliability at scale and a deployment model to fit any need, Veritas Enterprise Data Services Platform supports more than 800 different data sources, over 100 different operating systems, more than 1,400 storage targets, and more than 60 different cloud platforms. Learn more at www.veritas.com.