Kotak Mutual Fund Launches SIP Campaign to Encourage MF Investment Through SIP

Kotak Mahindra Asset Management Company Ltd. (KMAMC) has announced the launch of its SIP campaign. The campaign highlights strong past performance of Kotak Mutual Fund’s (KMF) equity schemes*. In line with KMF’s constant endeavour to promote SIP in mutual funds as a disciplined investment route for investors, the campaign showcases SIP performance since inception.

Steady scheme performance and focused product strategy have contributed to KMF’s assets under management (AUM) growth. Among KMF’s various schemes – Kotak 50, Kotak Select Focus, Kotak Opportunities, Kotak Emerging Equity have seen significant investor interest over the past few years.

Kaiyomurz Daver, Head – Marketing, Brand & Corporate Communication, Kotak Mutual Fund said, “Our SIP campaign is a continuation of our efforts to encourage equity investing through SIP. This campaign highlights that wealth creation is possible through disciplined and systematic investing in mutual funds.”

“The campaign is to strengthen distributor – investor connect. Hence, we opted to have our employees as brand ambassadors for this campaign. Seeing the fund house representative sticking his / her neck out to explain the benefits of SIP investors significantly enhances investor confidence”, said Daver.

Currently, KMF has around seven lakh SIP accounts through which investors regularly invest in its mutual fund schemes. With this SIP campaign, we want to significantly increase SIP investments in the country, especially in equity schemes.

*Past performance of schemes may or may not sustain in future.

VTU, HireMee Sign MoU for Assessment of Graduating Students in 202 Engineering Colleges

India’s leading engineering university Visvesvaraya Technological University (VTU) and HireMee, an initiative for social good, have signed an MoU for the free assessments of final-year students from 202 affiliated colleges with a view to connecting them with talent seeking companies. HireMee is committed to bridging the gap between recruiters and fresh graduate, especially in tier II and III towns, and urban areas as well. 

HireMee, a web portal and mobile application, connects the corporate world with academic institutions for faster and easier placements across India. HireMee app seamlessly links students, recruiters and colleges through proctored computer-based assessments to facilitate the recruitment process.

The MoU was signed by VTU Registrar Dr HN Jagannatha Reddy and Chockalingam Valliappa, Founder of HireMee in the presence of VTU Vice Chancellor Prof Karisiddappa and VTU Regional Director Dr. K. Gayathri Reddy last Thursday. 

Director of VTU’s Centralized Placement Cell Dr. Binoy Mathew and VTU Special Officers Vamangudi and Nataraj, and Dr. GN Krishnamurthy, Principal, BNMIT were among the attendees.

“As part of our CSR effort HireMee will provide an opportunity to the all students by connecting them to the right jobs. The goal is to help recruiting firms discover diamonds among students in rural and urban colleges without any cost to the students, recruiters or the colleges,” says Chockalingam Valliappa, Founder, HireMee.

“HireMee teams will administer a 100-minute proctored computer-based test for graduating students on college premises using its proprietary assessment application. This will enable students to identify improvement areas, bridge the skills gap and to further their employability,” says Prof Karisiddappa, Vice Chancellor, VTU.

As part of the agreement, VTU will support HireMee in extending its services to all its affiliated institutions by increasing awareness about HireMee among the student community.

“By offering free assessment to a million students and pro bono recruiting services to 1000 companies this year HireMee aspires to enable students get 100,000 jobs this year,” says Krishnan Kuppusamy, Chief Advisor, HireMee. 

HireMee entered into a MoU with country’s leading accrediting body, AICTE to offer its web and mobile application to graduating students of over 11,000 AICTE accredited institutions in the country in September 2017. HireMee plans to administer a million assessments to graduating students in tens of thousands of institutions by 2018. 

The Transition of The Indian Banking Sector to Cashless Society is Driving Increased Technology Investments

The transition of the Indian banking sector to a cashless society is creating many opportunities of technology investments into digital payments infrastructure, according to Gartner, Inc. IT spending in banking and securities firms in India will increase by 11.7 percent in 2017 to reach $9.1 billion.

Several top banks in India are investing heavily into contactless payment, which uses near field communication (NFC) mechanisms, which is also propelling many investments into devices.

Devices spending in the Indian banking sector will grow the fastest at 20 percent in 2017, followed by IT services at 15.8 percent. Firms in the banking and securities industry are investing more in devices to upgrade their existing infrastructure.

“Indian banks are getting back on track after slower IT spending the last two quarters, which was prompted by demonetization,” Moutusi Sau, principal research analyst at Gartner. “However, as banks focus on enhancing the legacy infrastructure and making digital transformation the primary goals for the banks, we will see more investments flow into newer concepts like artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain.”

“Financial services firms are lagging behind global top-performing organizations in relation to digital transformation. They hope that doing ‘more of the same’ will equate to improved performance,” said Rajesh Kandaswamy, research director at Gartner. “As organizations seek digital maturity, As digital leaders, financial services CIOs need to focus their firms' participation in an expanded ecosystem that includes competitors, customers, regulators and other stakeholders from across multiple industries.”

Amma Received the French Commemorative Gold Medal for Peace by the Soldiers of Peace International Association

Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi’s 30th Anniversary Tour of Europe commenced with Amma being presented two French awards for her lifetime of work as a spiritual leader and humanitarian. The awards, which were presented as part of a formal programme at the Zenith-Omega Arena in Toulon, France, came from the “Soldiers of Peace International Association” and from the Regional Council of the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur Region, one of the largest of France’s 13 metropolitan administrative regions.

The Soldiers of Peace International Association presented Amma with its “Commemorative Gold Medal for Peace.” The organisation’s President, Laurent Attar-Bayrou, addressed thousands of people assembled at the awards ceremony. He said: “As military men coming from different countries, we have fought, arms in hand, for the sake of peace, under the Blue Helmet of the United Nations. We affirm today that lasting peace comes only from the hearts and minds of men. Those who are fighting alongside you Amma against poverty, intolerance and other problems facing humanity have understood this; we as well. Your fight is our fight. You give meaning to life, allowing hope for those who have nothing. This hope is the very essence of humanity. With you and through your example and joy, the poor discover fulfilment and the rich gain humility. Fully dedicated to your mission, you shake the walls of indifference. On this earth, you sow hope. From this water, you draw love. From these skies, you make hearts blossom and shine.”

Laurent Attar-Bayrou added, “We, the Blue Helmets, gather for the promotion of peace. We are not pacifists or warmongers, but practical men. We gather for the sake of conflict resolution, human rights, education and sports. Amma, we recognise our mission in yours. You are also a Soldier of Peace, and we will walk with you in your quest for love.”

The second award to Amma was presented by Monique Robineau, Delegate of the President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region. “It is an immense pleasure for me to be here tonight with you Amma, and offer you the Medal of the Provence-Alpes-Côtes d’Azur Region, on behalf of its President, Mr Renaud Muselier.”

Monique Robineau added, “Your darshan has enabled me to see how you can wipe the tears of people and provide hope through the love that you give in your embrace. We are very proud of welcoming you once more on our land, that you have filled and brightened with all your love. In this world shattered by conflicts and crisis leading to insularity and paralysis, your message and embrace bring hope to our hearts and light to our spirits. The people present here benefit from your presence, but also many others, since your presence shines in our whole region.”

Presenting Amma with the Medal “with all the gratitude, respect and love of this land and its inhabitants,” Monique Robineau said: “This is for all the work that you have done for the lives of so many people. You are the Ambassador of Love and Peace in the world.”

Amma’s arrival in Europe at the beginning of November 2017 marked the commencement of her 30th anniversary tour of Europe. “Amma was first invited to Europe in 1987, and she has come every year since,” said Swami Amritaswarupananda, the Vice President of Mata Amritanandamayi Math. “After that first invitation came, Amma told us, ‘My children are not just in India but throughout the world. They are crying for Amma, but cannot find me. So, I must go to them.’ The rest is history.”

Amma’s 30th Anniversary Europe Tour will continue throughout November. Each of its stops finds Amma leading attendees in guided meditation, devotional singing and prayers for world peace. Each programme also includes a spiritual talk by Amma, wherein she offers practical solutions for personal fulfilment, as well as guidance on how society can face the most pressing challenges of our time. Programme attendees also get the opportunity to receive Amma’s darshan—a spiritual blessing in the form of a motherly embrace.

The Europe Tour includes stops in Frankfurt, Germany; Toulon, France; Winterthur, Switzerland; Milan, Italy; London, United Kingdom; Munich, Germany; Châlons-en-Champagne, France; Houten, Netherlands; and Helsinki, Finland, and concludes on December 6th in Valencia, Spain. All programmes are free and open to the public.

Amma has delivered addresses at the United Nations several times and has spoken twice at the Parliament of the World’s Religions. Among other accolades, she has received the Gandhi-King Award for Non-violence in Geneva, the James Parks Morton Interfaith Award in New York, and an honorary doctorate from the State University of New York. In 2014, at the invitation of His Holiness Pope Francis, Amma was one of 12 religious and spiritual leaders to travel to the Vatican to sign a joint declaration against modern slavery. Throughout her life, Amma has embraced and comforted more than 3.7 crore people. When asked where she gets the energy to help so many people while also building and running a massive humanitarian organization, Amma answers: “Where there is true love, everything is effortless. Love transforms.”

First Vegan Ayurvedic Aromatherapy Spa – Vedaearth - Opens in Bengaluru

Vedaearth part of Addvantis Enterprises LLP, a Bangalore based startup known for its ideology of being vegan, cruelty-free, with no animal byproducts, no harsh chemicals or parabens in any of its products, launched first of its kind vegan spa, ‘Vedearth lounge’ in the city today. The lounge was inaugurated by Sudha Murthy, Chairperson Infosys Foundation, philanthropist and acclaimed writer. Vedaearth Lounge will use specially curated skin, hair and wellness products, with the goodness of Ayurveda and Aromatherapy to help patrons discover a refreshing and revitalizing way to pamper themselves. The brand has a holistic approach to wellness, and all products are crafted with an unwavering belief in the healing power of herbs and the uplifting aura of aromas.

Speaking on the launch Sudha Murthy, Chairperson, Infosys Foundation, philanthropist and acclaimed writer said, “I believe that Vedaearth is a venture that is truly a pioneer in vegan beauty and wellness. The products that Vedaearth offers do not use harsh chemicals, are close to nature and most importantly not tested on animals and hence cruelty free. I always encourage youngsters like Divya, who are entrepreneurs and create their own path for excellence. I wish them all the very best in their endeavors and hope to see more and more people switch to such practice.”

The lounge will offer an array of services to relax, de-stress and provide nourishment to mind and body. These include clear cleanse, radiance revive, miracle mane, eye elixir, aromatic aura and other such refreshing and revitalizing treatments. Recognizing the growing requirements of the people, Vedaearth will soon launch a range of essential oils, skin toner and soaps. The curated formulas for the lounge are prepared in – house, tried and tested carefully in their own research and development facility.

Divya Dinesh Founder, CEO of Addvantis Enterprises, the parent company of Vedaearth said, “The Indian market is one of the fastest growing markets in terms of skincare and wellness products. However, we recognized a gap in the industry for vegan products and seized the opportunity to provide like-minded people with products that combined the trusted traditions of Ayurveda, with the healing properties of Aromatherapy. From sifting the benefits of natural ingredients to creating products under the guidance of qualified Ayurveda and aromatherapy specialists, triggered the remarkable journey of Vedaearth. The Vedaearth Lounge is a way in which we could bring to life our philosophy and ideologies in the form of an experience that instills a new and natural sense of well-being in all of us.”

She further added, “90% of our products are exclusively prepared in-house and the rest 10% are outsourced from vendors who follow stringent guidelines and adhere to being vegan and cruelty free. Our therapists are especially trained in-house and currently they will be available in the lounge in different shifts. Additionally we will offer 60 plus services in our facility.”

Vedaearth offers a host of Skincare products comprising of face packs, facial oils, anti-pigmentation, anti-ageing, under eye, cleansing oils for clean and radiant skin. Wellness products include bath salts for relaxation, mood elevation and even pain-relieving oils. They also provide hair oil for nourishment and treatment of hair-fall.  Since its inception all the products have become a rage and have gained immense popularity among women.

Vedaearth is constantly striving for better products through regularly innovating traditional knowledge to suit the modern lifestyle of consumers and offer the best of beauty care and wellbeing products in terms of quality, efficacy and safety. The products have received certifications from PETA, are Ayush approved formulas and have GMP certifications.

CORE Diagnostics Hosts a Confluence of Innovators and Entrepreneurs at ICC 2017 in Bengaluru

Liquid biopsy, genetic testing offer new potent weapons for diagnosis and treatment

CORE conducts unique Startup Pitch Fest to select and reward innovative and potentially path-breaking entrepreneurial ideas in the healthcare domain

India’s most trusted diagnostics partner CORE Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd is supporting a comprehensive discussion platform for Oncologists and medical experts to talk in depth about the Indian perspectives on genetic mutation and its role in augmenting cancer risk at the 2^nd chapter of the Indian Cancer Congress.  Over 3500 oncologists have converged at the conference to talk about latest strategies in treatment and prevention against cancer.

The event is being held from Nov 8-12 here at the Silicon Valley of India and has experts in medical oncology deliberating upon the Indian as well as global perspectives in the incidence of different types of cancers and the causes of their rising prevalence.  A rapidly expanding start up and an expert in Oncology testing, CORE have constantly differentiated themselves by their innovative edge in the diagnostics market.

Keeping up with the newest technologies in the cancer detection and prevention space, CORE has an entire section dedicated to the latest buzz in the segment called COREtalks at their booth. Some of the featured talks include “BRCA: An Indian perspective on incidence and patterns,” " Liquid Biopsy: An answer to when tissue is an issue," and Next Generation Sequencing and beyond in the management of Cancers - Where do we stand?”  CORE is also hosting a Lunch Symposium on Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence in Oncology - The Myth & the Reality as well as participating on several debates and panel discussions.

CORE Diagnostics has also initiated a one of its kind effort to boost innovation as a means to usher in potentially game changing ideas in the field of Indian healthcare/

Underlining the need for promoting innovation in healthcare, CORE Diagnostics’ Founder & Managing Director, Zoya Brar said, “Putting appropriate thrust on innovation can bring about revolutionary solutions in healthcare. This is particularly important for a country like India where dynamic ideas are needed to expand the reach of quality healthcare to rural as well as remote areas. In this direction, for the first time ever at a conference, with a platform as great as the ICC, we’re hosting a unique ‘Startup Pitch Fest’. This fest will provide a one of its kind platform to boost brilliant ideas in the healthcare domain that can play a pivotal role in diagnosis and positively impact patient treatment. The winner gets cash prizes worth Rs 3 lakhs. I’m very excited and look forward to hearing from the selected finalists for COREcatalyst on November 10^.”

Tally Solutions Pvt. Ltd. Appoints Arvind Kumar as Chief of Research & Development

The country’s premier business software provider, Tally Solutions has appointed Arvind Kumar as the chief of R&D (Research and Development) with effect from 8^th November 2017. Arvind will directly report to the Tally MD, Mr. Bharat Goenka. He will be based out of the Bangalore head office and will lead the R&D team of over 150 resources.

Arvind has been associated with stellar brands in the past and developed his expertise in defining and implementing platform solution for console, enterprise and cloud.

Prior to Tally, he was working with Philips as Director R&D of Health Suite Digital platform. He has also worked with GE Healthcare, Hughes Network Systems, NIIT Ltd, and Methodex System in various technology leadership roles.

“I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead with Tally, and honoured to have been made a part of this team. As an economy, we are in a very interesting space with the growing emphasis on technology and digitization, and I look forward to exploring these avenues in my role at Tally” commented Arvind on his appointment.

Arvind brings with him over 20+ years of experience in executing large scale distributed and enterprise software, Platform & Services, web technology, and cloud computing. His expertise spans across domains including medical imaging informatics, enterprise application, e-commerce and telecom. He has completed his B.E from IIT Roorkee.