Students Will Have D Mat Account for their Educational Certificates Shortly

National Academic Depository (NAD)is an initiative undertaken by MHRD for digital issuance, storage and access of all academic certificates issued by academic institutions in the country, will be implemented through NSDL Database Management Limited (NDML), a wholly owned subsidiary of NSDL which is the largest depository of India.

The National Academic Depository was launched by President of India, Pranab Mukherjee in the presence of Minister of Human Resource Development, Prakash Javadekar and Minister of State for Human Resource Development (Higher Education), Dr MahendraNath Pandey. The Ministry of Human Resources Development (MHRD), Government of India, University Grants Commission (UGC) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) during  “National Conclave on Digital Initiatives in Higher Education”at an impressive ceremony at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

Vice Chancellors of all the Universities in India, Directors / Heads of IITs, IIMs and other Academic Institutions participated in the conclave.

Under NAD every student will have a digital account to which all certificates issued by various academic institutions will be credited in digital format. Students will be identified uniquely by their Aadhaar number. NAD will eliminate paper, mitigate the risk of fake and forged certificates and enable online, electronic authentication of certificates by employers and higher education institutions.

Speaking on the occasion,  G V Nageswara Rao, MD & CEO, NSDL said,“NDML is proud to be part of NAD initiative and NDML looks forward to bringing to educational sector the same benefits that NSDL as a securities depository brought to capital markets.” Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) became the first academic institution to join NAD through NDML. CBSE certificates for the academic year 2016-17 have been made available in NAD.

At this event some of the most awaited student-centric digital initiatives for higher education were dedicated to the service of the nation. Besides the National Academic Depository, Hon’ble President also launched “SWAYAM”, a large portal of Massive Open Online Courses for Indian studentsand “SWAYAM Prabha”,a bouquet of 32 online DTH channels dedicated to higher educational content.

EdgeVerve to Offer the Finacle Suite of Solutions on Amazon Web Services

EdgeVerve Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infosys has announced the availability of its Finacle suite of solutions on Amazon Web Services (AWS). With this, banks around the world can securely leverage Finacle’s industry-leading solution suite, along with other enterprise-class applications hosted on the AWS Cloud.

This new offering allows banks to either use the entire suite of Finacle solutions or choose to implement specific Finacle offerings. Such select implementations will also help banks swiftly move to a truly digital experience, ensuring their customers have world class banking experiences across devices and platforms.

Highlights:

·  Finacle’s offering will enable banks of all sizes, across the globe, to run enterprise-class banking solutions such as Finacle Core, Mobile, Online Banking and Finacle Omnichannel Hub on the AWS Cloud

·  The flexible pay-per-use model with Finacle on AWS will allow banks to choose provisioning depending on their business demands. It will not only reduce infrastructure and application management costs for Finacle clients, but also help them service their customers with a real-time services on the AWS Cloud. In addition, a broad range of technology support from AWS will help banks move away from proprietary and constrained legacy environments

·         Banks can run Finacle’s suite of solutions on AWS in development, test and production. This offering from Infosys will accelerate the process of cloud adoption

·         The service ensures that banks always have the latest Finacle capabilities available on-demand to keep pace with changing consumer expectations

·         With the burden of infrastructure costs, deployment time and efforts significantly reduced, banks  will now be able take new innovations to market, faster and reliably

·         AWS Cloud compliance will enable customers to understand the robust controls in place at AWS to maintain security and data protection in the cloud. AWS services tie together governance-focused, audit-friendly service features, with applicable security compliance regulations and audit standards, AWS compliance enablers, built on traditional programs, will drive customers to operate in an AWS security controlled environment

Sanat Rao, Chief Business Officer and Global Head, Infosys Finacle, “At Infosys Finacle, we believe that cloud adoption can dramatically change the way banks operate. In the era of constant change, cloud solutions provide the much needed agility for banks to innovate continuously, both within the enterprise as well as with external ecosystem. We believe that along with AWS, we can help banks gradually adopt cloud to cope with ever changing customer needs, operational pressures and volatile business demands.”

Frank Fallon, Vice President, Global Financial Services, Amazon Web Services, Inc. ““We understand that banks are dealing with ever increasing customer expectations, expanding regulatory oversight, increased competition, heightened threats to information security, and scarce resources. At AWS, we help banks innovate faster by combining startup agility with enterprise experience and resources, eliminating costly technical debt and reducing risk. Together with Finacle, banks are accelerating their adoption of AWS for critical workloads, and deriving the core benefits of increased security, agility, and scalability, while focusing on what really matters – building great applications for their customers, not in investing in costly and complex infrastructure.”

L&T Technology Services and PTC Unveil Industry 4.0 Center of Excellence in Bangalore

PTC and L&T Technology Services Limited have announced the opening of a Center of Excellence (CoE) focused on Industrial Internet of Things (IoT) innovation at LTTS’ office in Bangalore, India. Popularly termed as Industry 4.0, the Industrial IoT Center of Excellence will demonstrate the promise of digital transformations for companies across the globe, and will showcase the technologies that make those transformations possible.

LTTS will equip the CoE with the entire PTC technology stack - from product design software through Industrial IoT functionality. The CoE will support LTTS’ advanced capabilities in the Industrial IoT space and will focus primarily on application lifecycle management (ALM), product lifecycle management (PLM), service lifecycle management (SLM), manufacturing operations management (MOM), and connected manufacturing. Customers visiting the space can experience new-age technology innovations to better inform decisions on initiating new IoT projects or further developing existing ones.

“This Center of Excellence will be a valuable way to show new and existing customers the potential for their digital transformations,” said Amit Chadha, President-Sales & Business Development & Whole-Time Director, L&T Technology Services. “To maximize the potential of the space, we needed proven technology, and PTC was the clear choice with its established solution offerings and robust Industrial IoT platform that complement our unique offerings in Digital PLM.” 

PTC was chosen as the technology partner for the CoE because of the vast capabilities of its IoT technology, as well as its longstanding leadership and success with solutions such as computer aided design (CAD) and PLM. The full technology stack from PTC will be available in the CoE, from Creo CAD software and Windchill PLM software through the ThingWorx Industrial IoT platform.

The CoE, which is expected to draw in an audience of global customers, will also feature new Industrial IoT solutions developed on the ThingWorx platform. Some of the prominent demonstrations on display at the CoE include digital twin models, situational awareness to improve plant productivity using PTC’s ThingWorx platform, and Digital PLM services that can improve the productivity of field engineers through dynamic updates of service data.

“We are excited to partner with L&T Technology Services on the Center of Excellence in Bangalore,” said Catherine Kniker, chief revenue officer, Platform Business, PTC. 

“Combining L&T Technology Services’ knowledge of building and implementing technology solutions with PTC’s leading technology offerings will help customers understand how they can transform their businesses and accelerate their time to value.”

PTC is at the forefront of unlocking the value at the intersection of the physical and digital worlds. With the leading ThingWorx Industrial IoT platform, augmented reality development capabilities, and a portfolio of connected solutions, PTC is enabling companies to improve the way that they design, manufacture, sell, operate, and service their products.

LTTS is a leading engineering services company with a Digital PLM practice that ensures faster time to market and improved product quality for customers in the

Industrial, Automotive, Aero & Defense, Medical & Healthcare, Oil & Gas, Consumer Packaged Goods, and Energy and Utilities markets.

Key differentiators that make LTTS’ Digital PLM portfolio unique in the market ride on its in-depth engineering and PLM domain expertise, along with matured partnerships with leading PLM partners like PTC. CIMdata has recognized L&T Technology Services as one of the leading Digital PLM System Integrators in the world.

Both companies are now working to leverage each other’s expertise and provide next-generation digital services, smart and accelerated product development, smart and connected manufacturing, remote field services, and predictive maintenance as aftermarket services.

Australian's Trendy Bistro Food “Patissez” Sets Shop in India!

After causing a massive worldwide sensation with its trademarked wonder - The Freak Shakes, Australia’s trendiest Bistro, Patissez, has entered   Indian market. The brand has formally joined hands with EljayInfratech, the Master Franchise, to expand its freaky universe in the Indian subcontinent. Patissez is eyeing to satisfy foodies in Jaipur, Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Chennai and other major cities of the country, in the months to come.

Patissez has now set its sights on the dynamic, multi-cuisine capital of the world- India. Indian Connoisseurs can expect Freak Shakes like the Pretzella, Muddy Pat, Bano Freak, Fruity Freak and so on, as well as savoury items like Freak Burgers, and Freakfast.

“The transformation of the new age retail landscape in India with the F&B industry sharing a third of the expected growth rate of US$ 1.3 trillion by 2020, has opened up a plethora of opportunities in the F&B space. With hanging out in Café joints &Restobars becoming the latest trend amongst the younger masses, there has been a sudden surge in the F&B industry not only in metros, but in first & second tier cities across the country. This healthy trend has positioned the F&B industry as one of the most sought-after investment spaces today, and has inspired Eljay to take the Patissez plunge”, says EljayInfratech’s partner and second generation entrepreneur, Shreyas Asthana.

Asthana also added “Eljay has been into food retailing for a decent number of years now. With the support of some internationally-acclaimed experienced hands in the F&B industry, we have taken a giant stride by bringing Patissez to India. Patissez has been the pioneer of the Freak Shakes. We are thrilled to be associated with the brand and are keen on covering the length and the breadth of the country very soon”.

“By the last quarter of 2018, Eljay aims to open Patissez outlets across major cities in the country”.EljayInfratech, being the Master Franchise is open to sub-franchisees who can be our trust points to establish Patissez’s legacy in the subcontinent” says A.Amit, EljayInfratech’s.

ToneTag, MasterCard Start Path Partner to Drive Payments Innovation

ToneTag, a sound based proximity payment technology provider, has been recently selected in the Mastercard Start Path as one of the technology companies shaping the future of payments by enabling consumers & merchants to adopt digital payment solutions.

ToneTag has also represented the technology at the Mastercard Start Path event in London and at Money20/20 in Copenhagen. As a part of the initiative, Start Path team will work closely with ToneTag to create and execute a tailored plan for expansion. This program will also give ToneTag access to Mastercard’s global ecosystem, including experts, partners, leading banks and retailers, and enable the sound based tech startup to break in to new markets through relationships with Mastercard and its global customers.

 “Mastercard Start Path is a great initiative to help startups reach new opportunities. Unlike before, businesses are well-connected today thanks to technology, and it is imperative that fintech companies hold the key to a better payment experience for both consumers and merchants alike and ensure transactions are secure, clean and done through organized channels. ToneTag is excited to be a part of this endeavour.” said Kumar Abhishek, Founder & CEO, ToneTag, in a statement.

Sanjay Kumar Kalirona Appointed as the CEO and Director of COMIO India

COMIO India appoints Mr. Sanjay Kumar Kalirona as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Director of the company. With close to two decades of experience in the telecom industry, he is known for his business acumen, understanding of the Indian market and his farsighted vision.

Kalirona has held various senior leadership positions with some of the fast-paced mobile brands in the country. In his previous job, he held the position of CEO at Zen Mobile. Prior to his association with Zen, he led the mobile business at Intex Technologies India Ltd. where he climbed the ladder over his 15-year stint and is credited with having successfully regulated the mobile phone business for the company in India.

On this occasion, Sanjay Kumar Kalirona, CEO and Director at COMIO India, says “I am grateful to COMIO for considering me appropriate to lead the India business. With our nation growing to become one of the largest smartphone markets globally, I am looking forward to taking COMIO to greater height in the years to come!’’

Kalirona has worked across various departments in the telecom industry including new business development, strategic planning, distribution, sales & marketing and channel development and is set to play a pivotal role at COMIO as he gears up for the launch of the mid-segment smartphone in India.

A post graduate in business management from Fortune institute of international business, New Delhi, he is an ace market strategist who devises keeping in mind the changing dynamics and sensitivities of the market. An excellent team leader and mentor with exemplary leadership skills, he is a go-getter and is able to drive his team to achieve goals within tight deadlines.

NPCI’s RuPay, UPI and AePS Gain Big Momentum in Q1 FY2017-18

National Payments Corporation of India’s (NPCI) is proud to announce that RuPay card’s monthly transaction volume on Point of Sale (POS) and e-commerce stands at 4 crore valuing about Rs. 5,000 crore during Q1FY 18. The transaction volume and value during pre-demonetisation period were about 1 crore and Rs. 1,500 crore respectively. Recent use cases on RuPay contactless like Kochi, Ahmedabad and Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) are poised to significantly contribute towards digital transactions through RuPay cards.

A. P Hota, MD & CEO, NPCI said, “The nation has taken a target of achieving 25 billion digital payments transactions mark in FY18. Last year, the volume of digital payments was 9.2 billion of which 3.5 billion had been contributed by NPCI. This year, we are aiming to contribute about 11 billion digital transactions.”

Recently introduced BHIM and BHIM Aadhaar are also showing positive trends. BHIM Aadhaar is based on NPCI’s Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS). AePS volume was 5 crore, 6 crore and 7 crore for April, May and June 2017 respectively. BHIM Aadhar was launched by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on April 14, 2017 and it is currently being offered by over 1.34 lakh merchants.

UPI has crossed 1 crore transactions valuing Rs. 3,000 crore. UPI volume (UPI, BHIM and USSD 2.0 - *99#) was 0.72 crore, 0.93 crore and 1.03 crore in April, May and June 2017 respectively.

RuPay

“RuPay” is the coinage of two terms Rupee and Payment. It is India’s home-grown debit card network with the total issuance of over 370 million in the country. RuPay was dedicated to the nation by Hon’ble President of India, Pranab Mukherjee on May 8, 2014. RuPay cards are accepted across all major Point of Sale (POS) terminals, online merchants and ATMs in the country. It has simplified and transparent pricing structure. It comes with enhanced security features.

BHIM/ UPI

Bharat Interface for Money (BHIM) is a smart mobile phone based app based on Unified Payments Interface (UPI) that allows simple, easy and quick payment transactions using UPI. One can easily make direct bank to bank payments instantly and collect money using mobile number or virtual payment address. It is a unique payment solution which empowers an individual with immediate send and collect request.

AePS

AePS is a bank led model which allows online interoperable final inclusion transaction at PoS (MicroATM) through the business correspondent of any bank using Aadhaar authentication. The four Aadhaar enabled basic types of banking transactions are Balance Enquiry, Cash Withdrawal, Cash Deposit, Aadhaar to Aaadhaar Funds Transfer.