SBI Unveils – YONO- Integrated App for Financial and Lifestyle Services

State Bank of India, the country’s largest public sector bank, has launched a unified integrated app called YONO (You Need Only One) that would offer all kinds of financial and lifestyle products.

The omni-channel platform, which will be officially launched tomorrow by Finance Minister Arun Jaitely, will allow customers to meet their lifestyle needs across 14 categories from booking cabs to paying for medical needs -- all under one roof. For this, the bank has partnered with 60 e-commerce players, including Amazon, Ola, Flipkart, Yatra, Swiggy and BYJU’s. Offline players such as Thomas Cook, Shoppers Stop and Cox and Kings are also part of the SBI partnership.

Rajnish Kumar, SBI Chairman, said during a conference here today that the portal has been designed to offer maximum customer convenience and that the product has been developed by SBI using artificial intelligence, predictive analysis and machine learning. It can be accessed through both Android and iOS platforms.

Unprecedented growth

“India is going digital at an unprecedented pace and we are taking significant strides in the digital banking space,” he said, adding that SBI has over 42 crore customers, of which, about seven crore are using some mode of digital transaction.

SBI also owns a digital wallet called SBI Buddy and has apps for almost all its services. Over a dozen different apps will be integrated into YONO. He also added that the bank has been quite aggressive in digitisation of its services.

“We have spent almost ₹4,000 crore alone on digital initiatives this year and this is going to go up every year,” Kumar said, adding that SBI has a 30 per cent market share in the digital space.

With YONO, Kumar said that customers can open an SBI account in just five minutes, transfer funds in just four clicks, avail loans, get overdraft facility against FDs, and access chat bots for any assistance.

IBC ordinance

Kumar said valuation of stressed assets facing insolvency proceedings is unlikely to be impacted with the amended Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code that debars promoters who have been tagged as wilful defaulters from bidding for such assets.

“The changes in the law will not bring down the valuation of the assets under resolution because there is lot of interest in these assets. Valuation has nothing to do whether the existing promoters are allowed to bid or not. Assets will go only on the fair value of the enterprise,” Kumar said.

Over 9000 Students of Business Management & Engineering Colleges Participate in ‘The Hero Campus Challenge’

The Narsee Monjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS), Mumbai has emerged victorious in the popular ‘The Hero Campus Challenge’ (THCC), winning a cash prize of Rs. 2 lakh along with Pre-Placement Interview (PPI) offers from Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer.

The team from NMIMS won the coveted trophy after a gruelling final round of the competition, which saw participation from over 9000 students of the elite business schools and engineering institutes in the country.

The team from Mudra Institute of Communications (MICA), Ahmedabad came a close second while Xavier Institute of Management (XIM) Bhubaneshwar were declared 2^nd Runner-Up. The runner-ups were also granted PPIs.

Pursuing its aim to nurture the future business leaders in the country, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., the world’s largest two-wheeler manufacturer, organises the popular ‘The Hero Campus Challenge’ (THCC).

Commenting on the occasion, Sanjay Jorapur, Chief Human Resources Officer, Hero MotoCorp Ltd., said, “At Hero, it is our constant endeavour to not only provide an engaging and enriching professional ecosystem to our employees, but also work towards shaping the future of the country’s business leaders. The Hero Campus Challenge is one such platform, which allows us to interact with the youth and channelize their creativity and management skills toward solving real-life business challenges. The Hero Campus Challenge has garnered extremely positive response in its three editions and we are overwhelmed to see the depth of business intelligence among our millennials. Being a youth-centric organisation, we will continue to promote young talent and provide them opportunities to hone their skills and further their careers.”

Launched in 2015, The Hero Campus Challenge is a campus-centric, business-solutions oriented competition, which is conducted across the premier management and engineering schools of the country. THCC aims at building business-acumen amonsgt students, providing them with an avenue to put their theoritical knowldege into practice. The participants are given a series of real-life global industry scenarios and problems to tackle and are required to provide innovative and practical solutions to the problems.

The 2017 edition of THCC saw participation from India’s premier B-Schools and Engineering colleges, such as IIMs, IITs, NITs, XLRI, NMIMS, IMT-Ghaziabad, MICA and BITS Pilani etc. The participants formed separate teams comprising of three members, which translated to 3000 teams competing for the top honors.

Out of these only 10 teams were shortlisted for the final round. The finalists presented their findings in front of a jury comprising of the Senior Leadership Team members of Hero MotoCorp.

Since the introduction of the platform, the Hero Campus Challenge has garnered tremendous credibility and popularity among the management and engineering student fraternity in India. The participation has grown manifolds since the first edition and close to 15,000 students have participated in the contest so far.

MDI Gurugram won the first edition of THCC while IIM Bangalore captured the top spot in the second edition.

Hero MotoCorp is the market leader with a continuous and unwavering focus on capturing the customers’ needs and aspirations and translating them to winning products. This philosophy is essential for the business leaders of tomorrowas well, especially in the fast evolving world of today, to stay ahead of the curve.

ICA Edu Skills’ Launches Latest ICA-SAP Courses Across India

ICA EduSkills, one of India’s leading vocational training and placement institutelately heralded the launch of an ICA-SAP Course christened SAP (FICO) End User.  ICA Edu Skills targets at the countless employable youth to build a pool of industry-ready, technically-qualified professionals in the coming years with the introduction of this latest offering from their institution. SAP, enterprise resource software, is an accredited market trailblazerin ERP with a 68% shares,​ ​ and 2, 58, 000 customers in 188 countries and has 13 million SAP certified professionals worldwide.​

In order to realize the dreams of our Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making Digital India and contemporaneous operationalization of GST, the teeming population engaged in small and medium-size enterprises are embracing the digitalization thus, becoming GST-compliant. ICA’s SAP (FICO) End User course has been unveiled keeping in mind the huge demand for SAP consultants countrywide in order to bridge the gap of supply and demand in the future course.

SAP (FICO) intends at targeting undergraduates, graduates, management, HR&Finance aspirants and working professionals. ​It will impart them with basic training in SAP and endowthem to create Balance Sheet.

ICA EduSkills’ SAP (FICO) course will be of enormous value to students. It intends to provide 80 hours of theoretical and practical training and makes them industry savvy. On successful completion of the course, students will obtain certificate with SAP and ICA EduSkills logos respectively, which could ensure them a passport to success.

Heraldingthe launch of the ICA-SAP course, Narendra Kumar Shyamsukha, Founder Chairman, ICAEdu Skills said, “On one hand, India has a large number of educated unemployed, and on the other, Indian industry is short of skilled professionals. We are launching this course to help students equip themselves with the required skills and technical expertise. While our immediate aim is to train students and make them job-ready, our long term goal is to take the Indian economy to new heights.  We invite students to make the most of ICA EduSkills’ SAP (FICO) End User course.”

“Practical training is the key to proficiency and employability. Our strong in-house R&D team ensures that our courses are training-oriented and in sync with the needs of the industry. The USP of ICA’s SAP (FICO) course is that it provides students a customized SAP practicing software and makes them career-ready. We have a100+ training centres in 21+ states across India. Students can do this course from an ICA centre anywhere in India. The students will be trained on the latest technologies and tools with subsidised course fees by our experienced faculty,”Dr Shyamsukha added.

ICA Edu Skills has been tirelessly endowing youth across India the requisite skills for the last 18 years to make them job ready. ICA is the pioneer in skill enhancement. ICA has also aligned with the NSDC and is working concurrently with the Central and state governments to train and place aspirantsin various fields.

Indian Motorcycle Unveils All-New and Powerful Indian Scout Bobber at IBW; Priced at Rs 12,99,000

Indian Motorcycle, America’s First Motorcycle Company launched the Indian Scout Bobber at the India Bike Week 2017. The Indian Scout Bobber belongs to the legendary Scout family, has a mean look and road presence. A raw and powerful machine with undeniable presence, the Indian Scout Bobber produces 127.8 PS, and rides on Kenda K761 Knobbly Tyres.This is the most raw and adrenaline rushing machine to date in the Indian Motorcycle line-up that proves less is definitely more.Itis powered by liquid cooled V-Twin engine and is coupled to a 6-speed transmission. TheIndian Scout® Bobber is priced at Rs 12, 99,000 onwards (Ex-Showroom)

Commenting on the launch of the all-new Indian Scout Bobber, Pankaj Dubey, Country Head and Managing Director, Polaris India Pvt. Ltd. said, “The Indian Scout Bobber has been one of the most awaited motorcycle from the Indian line-up and I assure that the wait is worth it. The Scout Bobber is powered by 1133CC liquid cooled V-twin engine and comes in with all new style, matte finished chrome, attractive colours and better riding position. It has eye-turning features like Slammed Stance, Chopped Fenders, Blacked-Out Styling and Knobbly Tires. I am confident that this motorcycle will attract a good number of customers and will maintain the legacy of Indian Motorcycle with its powerful performance.The Scout Bobber will elevate our rider to the top of the pack. It will surely make all heads turn, thanks to the powerful road presence this bike shall offer.”

The key features include a black headlight nacelle, minimal engine covers and vented exhaust shields.  The Indian Scout Bobber hasa black gauge face on its instrument panel and black exhaust which adds to its blacked-out styling. The new block letter logo on the tank compliments the muscular look of the bike.

The handle bars and pegs have moved 38mm closer to the rider giving an aggressive riding position. The front and rear Chopped Fenders and a new two-tone genuine leather bobber seat enhance the rawstyling.  The all-new Kenda K761 Knobbly Tyres and blacked-out wheels will keep the rider grounded and help in overall rider confidence and control.

The touring comfort can be further enhanced with a full line of accessories including the IndianScout Bobber passenger seat with sissy bar, Scout Bobber Solo Rack Bag & Saddlebag.The new Scout Bobber would be available in five colours, including Thunder Black, Star Silver Smoke, Bronze Smoke, Indian Motorcycle Red, and Thunder Black Smoke. The America’s first luxury motorcycle manufacturer will definitely be able to expand its footprints with the launch of much awaited Scout Bobber. 

Hairline International Brings Italian Hair Cosmeceuticals - Sanitizer, Perfume, Sunscreen to India

Hairline International Hair and Skin Clinic previewed a new range of hair cosmeceuticals that they will soon launch in Bengaluru and across the country in a short while. This unique range of cosmeceuticals includes a hair sanitizer, a hair perfume and a hair sunscreen, all of which promise to be a range of hair care products that are convenient as well as effective at multiple levels. The products were unveiled by Leading Fashion Blogger, Shalini Chopra.

Elaborating on the introduction of these products into the market, Bani Anand, Founder and Managing Director, Hairline International said, “Hairline International has always been the forerunner when it comes to introducing anything new into the Indian market.  This range of hair care products are manufactured in Italy and marketed by Hairline in India. The products will soon be available on shelves at Hairline International centers across Bengaluru and select stores across the country. The range may also be pre-ordered currently”.

Speaking on the launch of these products, Dr. V Premalatha, Dermatosurgeon, Hairline International said, “These products are based on a great deal of research on the current needs of the market. While they are extremely effective as product for a specific cause, they also provide an additional benefit of enhancing hair quality and even growth in some cases”.

Unveiling the products, Shalini Chopra, StylishByNature, said, “These are products that have a lot of research backing them and are convenient not just for those in the world of glamour but for everyone leading the hectic lives we have today. To be assured of stepping out with great looking hair, which is one of the best asset we have, is a great thing”.

Hairline Hair Sanitizer: Here’s a quick solution to your ‘no shampoo’ days. Say hello to Hairline’s Hair Sanitizer. A few generous drops of this solution rubbed in your scalp and down the length of your hair, will instantly cleanse it of the grime and dirt of the day. Don’t believe us? Just rub your hair with a light cotton cloth and see the difference. The product is handy and can fit into your handbag. You can now say goodbye to those bad hair days, and have a quick solution on hand for when you are travelling or just can’t get the time to wash your hair. An added benefit is that regular application of this solution to your scalp will enhance the growth of hair.

Hairline Hair Perfume: Spending time in traffic, in claustrophobic air-conditioned rooms or have just sweated it out, but still want to smell good? Your deo will do a good job, but a hair perfume will enhance the way you smell despite your sweaty or smelly scalp. This mild spritzer is a treat for your hair and may be sprayed on just before you step into a party, a board meeting or even to meet the family.

Hairline Hair Sunscreen: How many times have you wished for that one wonder product that can bring dull, lifeless hair back to life in a jiffy? Of course holidays are all about fun in the sun, but your hair needs to be protected against those harmful rays, just as much as your skin. In fact, this is the kind of protection you need each time you step out into the Sun – for work, for fun or even for a swim. Spray it on before you step out for the day, or even before you get into the pool. A product that has multiple benefits.

50 Taiwanese Firms Take Part in First Edition of Smart Asia 2017 Expo & Summit in Bangalore

The Taipei World Trade Center (TWTC), Taiwan’s foremost non-profit trade promotion organization, was inaugurated the First Edition of ‘SMART ASIA 2017—Expo & Summit’. The inauguration ceremony took place at the White Orchid Convention Center, Bangalore at 11:00 am. Mr. James C. F. Huang, Chairman of TWTC, delivered opening remarks to welcome all the representatives from the array of government, associations and business organizations.

In unveiling SMART ASIA 2017 and its themes including “Smart City Solutions”, “Smart Technology Applications” and “City Development products/services”, Mr. Huang emphasized that SMART ASIA 2017 endeavors to echo the ambitious ‘Smart Cities Mission’ being propelled by the Modi administration. This follows the institution of Taiwan’s New South Bound Policy, which aims to enhance cooperation between India and Taiwan and whereby Taiwan contributes to India’s Smart City Mission.

Taiwan brings its expertise in IoT, smart transportation, smart energy, smart buildings and wastewater treatment solutions, which have been successfully showcased in countries such as Korea and Indonesia. India’s software capabilities coupled with Taiwan’s proficiency in hardware production can help India in building world-class Smart Cities.

India has already started using smart solutions from Taiwanese companies like Delta. In March 2017, the company installed a state-of-the-art video wall solution for the Smart City project in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which will enable the Jaipur Development Authority to monitor the city’s activities.

The ‘India-Taiwan Smart City Summit’ will be held in parallel to the three-day show from November 23-25. Organized by TWTC, the Advanced Public Transportation Research Center (APTRC), and Taiwan’s Intelligent Transportation Society, the Summit will comprise a series of keynote speeches and panel discussions by industry leaders across verticals, who will deliberate Smart City Cooperation between India and Taiwan. These experts will also address Smart Transportation solutions on the second day of the Summit.

Fifty world-class Taiwan companies are showcasing products and services to help India accelerate the government’s Smart City vision. Key exhibitors include Acer India, Advantech, CHEM, CTCI, Delta Electronics, EMS, Everlight, FETC International, Transcend, and YouBike. SMART ASIA 2017 Expo & Summit is organized by the Taipei World Trade Center, a sister organization to the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), and is being held at the White Orchid Convention Center, Bangalore, November 23-25, 2017.

The Panchang Goes Digital with Reverie’s Indic Calendar App

Reverie Language Technologies, a pioneer in digital language technology solutions have launched an easy to access and cruft-free calendar app called Indic Calendar. Reverie’s Indic Calendar app, currently available on Google Play store, built for Indians, irrespective of their linguistic proficiency, cultural and religious affiliations.

The information on the Indic Calendar is available in 11 Indian languages – Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Assamese, Marathi, Tamil, Gujarati, Kannada, Malayalam, Odia and Punjabi.

Reverie’s visually appealing Indic Calendar app is based on lunar calendar. The calendar allows access to auspicious occasions pertaining to Hindu festivals of 29 Indian states. The calendar highlights thithi, nakshatra and rashi details based on the Panchang. It also shows the sunrise /sunset time for the day selected.

Culturally, Indians follow the panchang for auspicious tithis and nakshatras for important life decisions. The life decisions could be around travel, starting a new business or project, examination, attending interviews and various other life events.

Once downloaded, the easy to use Indic Calendar allows the user to access the auspicious dates based on their respective native states or by their choice of festival. At a time the user can search dates from three consecutive years– previous, current and the next year.

Arvind Pani, CEO and co-founder Reverie Language Technologies said “With Reverie’s Indic Calendarapp the dates can be accessed anywhere anytime, replacing the wall-hanging calendar in homes. Indic Calendar is for those looking for dates for Ratha Yatra in Jagannatha Puri or dates of Onam, Akshaytritya, Diwali, Bihu and other Indian festivals and auspicious days.”

The quick reference guide app is available for free on Google Store. Reverie’s Indic calendar occupies only 1.34 MB on the mobile device with a pleasing user-interface.