Advisory on Coronavirus to Coworking Spaces from Qdesq

With the spike in novel Coronavirus cases in India, Qdesq would like to share some tips to safeguard your occupants. It is essential to first understand how the disease could spread. COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, which means to become infected, people generally must be within six feet of someone who is contagious.

Although the fatality rate of the virus is 3.4%, it is still quite important to take all necessary precautions.

How to prevent the Spread of Novel Coronavirus in your Workspace

Advise Sick Individuals to Rest at Home

People witnessing symptoms like - flu, mild cold or cough, body-ache should stay at home and avoid public spaces.

Tie up with a Hospital

Take the initiative of associating with a hospital to access immediate medical treatment and other facilities for suspected COVID-19 cases

Sanitize your Workspace

Shut down the office for a day or two and deep sanitize each corner of the workspace.

Keep Sanitizer in Each Room

Provide sanitizer in each room to ensure cleanliness.

Provide Factual Information

Due to the current scenario, myths are all over social media platforms. Hence, providing the factual information should be a priority.

Distribute Masks

Last but not least, the providers should take the initiative of distributing masks to prevent the spread of the disease.

Please stick to the valid sources of information such as WHO to avoid any sort of panic.

Outbreak such as Coronavirus brings in the need for corporates to plan a contingency strategy around office space and ensuring uninterrupted work flow. Work from home is clearly no solution. The solution is to work near home in safe and compliant serviced or a flex office. Contact Qdesq for advise on best BCP strategy or drop a line at bcp@qdesq.com.

Qdesq is India’s largest tech-enabled flexible space platform having 2800+ Properties listed Pan-India.

Aeternity Starfleet Program Propels Blockchain Adoption In India

AE Ventures, a blockchain investment company that launched the æternity Starfleet India program earlier last year, has registered over 170+ early-stage startups for the first edition of the æternity’s Global Starfleet Program in India. Over 50% of the registered startups are businesses with traction/users/revenue that are willing to implement blockchain for the very first time through æternity, leading to an acceleration in blockchain adoption amongst enterprises across sectors. Indian businesses are now increasingly open to exploring and implementing blockchain as a technology. With the business benefits of blockchain becoming evident to enterprises through strong used cases in the market, a sizable share of the businesses are increasingly implementing blockchain in their projects now.

While still, in its nascent stage, India’s blockchain market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 37% till 2024 according to a report by Invest India. Blockchain’s transformational potential in India has been recognized by enterprises across sectors in India. The Fintech sector recorded the most affinity to adopting blockchain used-case from the registered start-ups, comprising of over 14% of the registered start-ups, followed by the Healthcare sector with 13% and Agritech with 10% of the registered start-ups. Blockchain-based used cases in social media marketing, public sector, and renewable energy are also garnering considerable interest in the Starfleet India program.

The FinTech sector has seen the highest adoption, despite the cautious regulatory approach in India. A conducive regulatory and government procurement policy environment, will accelerate startup growth and drive blockchain implementation not only in the BFSI sector but across other sectors as well.

Nikola Stojanow, the CEO of AE Ventures said, “We are very excited to see this trend among companies that haven’t implemented blockchain, showing affinity towards exploring this technology when a strong used case is available. This is an example of the increased awareness that has helped the blockchain ecosystem and we are happy to be a part of the journey that busts any myths about blockchain and helps increase its adoption across India. We look forward to working with the new wave of startups selected for Starfleet India and are very excited to empower India’s blockchain ecosystem.”

As per reports from the Startup India initiative, the Indian startup ecosystem is the third-largest in terms of the number of tech startups following the US and China, and while the ecosystem is thriving, new players often find it difficult to access the correct channels due to a gap in the opportunities to network, receive mentorship and the right platforms to pilot their innovations. Aeternity Global Starfleet program, organized by AE Ventures in partnership with IBC Media - an innovation management company in Bangalore, aims to bridge this gap and provide relevant startups with the necessary impetus in the form of initial capital funding, along with six months of technology support, go-to-market strategy access and help with business development, marketing, and legal affairs.

Raghu Mohan, CEO, IBC Media added, “This change in trend is an example of a more favorable ecosystem in India for blockchain technology to thrive. We are happy to be a part of this changing mindset and truly believe that accelerator programs like Starfleet India are pivotal, in bringing blockchain to more businesses and in helping companies realize that, the capabilities to implement your tech are already available here. Hence, we do not need to make new ones.”

Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund Ties Up with Saraswat Bank

Highlights

* Collaboration to offer mutual fund solutions of Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund through Saraswat Bank’s 280 branches across six states
* Aims at combining synergies to enhance the reach of investing solutions

Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited, a subsidiary of Aditya Birla Capital Limited (a significant non-bank financial services’ conglomerate), and investment manager to Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund (ABSLMF) today announced a strategic tie up with the largest, and one of the oldest, Urban Co-operative Banks in India, Saraswat Bank. As per the agreement, Saraswat Bank will now offer the entire bouquet of Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund products at its 280 plus branches across the country.

Commenting on the association, A. Balasubramanian, MD & CEO, Aditya Birla Sun Life AMC Limited said, "As one of India’s leading Mutual Fund players, we are constantly on the look-out for opportunities that can help us expand the distribution reach of mutual fund products and enable investors to benefit from our offerings. Saraswat Bank, undoubtedly is one of the prestigious and trusted names in the banking industry. We are confident that the strong network of Saraswat Bank’s branches coupled with Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund’s expertise will further mutual fund penetration in India. Customer focus and product leadership are the key values that create a more common thread between us and we look forward to sustain this trust while building value for our customers.”

ABSLMF has been strengthening its distribution reach and is adopting and maintaining wide range of innovations to cater both to the urban and rural areas of the country. The fund house would be leveraging Saraswat Bank’s robust branch network to reach a wider cross section of the Indian population to provide them investing solutions through its wide range of product offerings.

Speaking on the development, Gautam Thakur, Chairman, Saraswat Bank said “We are delighted to be associated with Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund to offer their mutual fund schemes to our valued customers. At Saraswat Bank, we continue to blend our 100-year legacy with the flexibility and foresight of a contemporary institution, bringing best-in-industry products and services to our customers. This tie-up would go a long way in further strengthening the bond with our customers by offering them investment options in mutual fund schemes of ABSLMF.”

Saraswat Bank has more than 280 branches and 266 ATMs across six states in India – Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Delhi. It has correspondent banking relationships across sixty-five countries covering nine currencies.

Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund is focused on expanding the reach and enhancing the appeal of mutual funds across a wider set of investors in India. As part of its strategic focus the fund house aims to strengthen its business across all partner banks along with the new tie-up with Saraswat Bank.

Mutual Fund investments are subject to market risks, read all scheme related documents carefully.

Hindware Appliances Strengthens its Consumer Appliance Segment with Foray into Ceiling Fans

Somany Home Innovation Limited, makers of ‘Hindware Appliances’ has forayed into the ceiling fans category under its popular brand ‘Hindware Snowcrest’ to further strengthen its presence in the consumer appliances segment.

Aimed at delivering a refreshing new look to homes of today’s discerning consumers, Hindware Snowcrest fans are aesthetically designed, custom crafted for modern Indian homes. The fans are available in a lineup of six models under three categories such as Premium, Decorative and Classic at an introductory price range from INR 1499 to INR 2999 and are available at modern trade outlets and e-commerce portals. The fans are equipped with features such as easy to clean dust resistant blades, aerodynamic blades for even air distribution, optimum air delivery at low voltage amongst others. The fans come with a 2-year warranty and are available in four primary colours chocolate gold, metallic being copper and dark walnut bronze and white metallic silver.

After witnessing acceptability and success owing to disruptive technologies and innovative features in Air Purification and Air-Cooling category, Hindware Appliances is expanding its product portfolio in the air treatment business through Ceiling fans.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Rakesh Kaul, CEO and Whole Time Director, Somany Home Innovation Limited said, “ Our entry into fans category segment is backed by consumer insights, our wide established distribution channel, R&D and product development to cater to our growing customer base. We have joined hands with the finest manufacturing and design facilities in the country and aim to bring products which are well engineered to deliver optimized performances while retaining competitive cost”.

He further added, “We believe in giving ‘power in the hands’ of consumers, and therefore recently have launched Smart (IoT enabled) kitchen chimney, water purifier and water heater. In due time, we will be bringing internet connectivity to our other range of products”.

The total size of the fan market in India is valued at approximate INR 8000 crore, with 110 million units sold every year. Ceiling fans are a common household appliance and this has resulted in a steady double-digit growth of the segment over the years. The fan market in India consists of ceiling, table, wall, pedestal, exhaust and multi-utility fans. Out of which ceiling fan constitutes 77% of the total share. As per India Electric Fan Market Outlook 2022, the revenue for organized electric fan market is growing with a CAGR of more than 10% as compared to the last five years.

Hindware Appliances is one of the fastest growing consumer products in the country ranging from water heaters and water purifiers to air coolers, air purifiers, extractor fans, and kitchen appliances, which are all relevant in the modern consumer lifestyle of today, with each contributing to make better homes a reality in India. Currently, Somany Home Innovation Limited (SHIL) has a network of over 9,250+ retailers and modern retail outlets, 575+ trade partner network and 200+ distributors. Recently, the company expanded its product category into IoT enabled appliances across water purifiers, water heaters and chimneys.

About Somany Home Innovation Limited (SHIL):

Somany Home Innovation Limited (SHIL) is a leading Home Improvement Solutions company in India. The makers of the ‘Hindware Appliances’, the company is listed on the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The company houses a range of products under Consumer Appliances, Home Retail Solutions and Furniture and Kitchen Fittings business.

SHIL’s focus on R&D activities helps the company to enhance capacity to conceive innovative ideas infused with varying degrees of novelty and this has led the company to apply for over 21 patents since its inception.

Travel with Adequate Precautions - #SafeBusTravel a Corona Virus Customer Safety Awareness Campaign Launched

In an effort to promote awareness as well to expand the safety net around the spread of the coronavirus, AbhiBus.com is offering to hand-deliver to their homes protection grade masks to all those who book tickets on their platforms across the country. In addition to this, AbhiBus will also provide hand sanitizers in a partner bus services.

Bus is preferred mode of travel for 63% travellers in India (according to International Association of Public Transport (UITP) and On average there are 20 million of travellers that use buses to travel from one city to another and are potentially vulnerable towards contracting the virus. However, based on various medical advisories, the virus being non-airborne makes it possible to avoid getting infected if adequate precautions are taken by every individual. These include, but not limited to, wearing of protection grade masks, constantly washing hands, use of hand sanitizers as simple steps towards mitigating the risk amongst others.

While announcing the initiative, Mr. Rohit Sharma, Chief Operating Officer - Abhibus.com said, “Prevention is best case for protection from the spread of this virus which is causing a global pandemonium. Life still needs to go on and if adequate precautions are taken by every individual then the spread of this virus can be avoided. In this context, AbhiBus.com is offering to its customers the free masks so that they become the inspiration for others to get theirs and wear the protection. On our own, we are trying to make the awareness go viral against the deadly virus.”

Further, AbhiBus.com as part of its efforts to spread awareness is providing free hand sanitizers in  the partner buses that it offers the  tickets for, and is  putting up notices in buses on proper techniques to handle personal hygiene so that they can be protected as well as orienting the bus operators and owners towards.

Jaguar Land Rover India has Partnered with Tata Power for End-to-End Charging Solutions

Highlights

* Jaguar Land Rover India has partnered with Tata Power for end-to-end charging solutions for its range of electrified vehicles to be launched in India
* Tata Power will provide full charging solutions to Jaguar Land Rover Retailers and customers, along with the required after-sales support
* The partnership will benefit customers of the upcoming Jaguar I-PACE that will arrive in India in the second half of this year as well as future Jaguar Land Rover Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

Jaguar Land Rover India has announced today that it has entered into a partnership with Tata Power to offer end-to-end EV charging solutions. Tata Power will provide charging solutions for Jaguar Land Rover in India, across its retail network of 27 outlets in 24 cities and at customer’s residence and/or office. India’s largest integrated Power Company, Tata Power will be responsible for providing a range of AC and DC chargers, starting from 7 kW to 50 kW capacity. Tata Power will be the preferred partner to facilitate the installation and management of chargers at the designated premises and other after-sales related support services.

Rohit Suri, President & Managing Director, Jaguar Land Rover India said:

“The partnership with Tata Power will be a tremendous value addition for Jaguar Land Rover customers as it provides a one-stop solution to their charging needs and also provides easy accessibility to the wide network of public charging infrastructure being set up by Tata Power across India. This tie-up is one step forward in creating the right ecosystem enabling a simple and hassle free charging experience for owners of our first Electric Vehicle, the Jaguar I-PACE, which makes its debut in India later this year.”

Ramesh Subramanyam, CFO & President - New Business, Tata Power Company Limited said:

“Tata Power is delighted to work with Jaguar Land Rover India as an end-to-end EV charging partner. As India’s leading integrated player in the EV charging space, we will provide Jaguar Land Rover India’s EV customers with easy, ubiquitous and seamless charging experience at their Homes, Offices and Public places. This partnership is also an endorsement of their faith in us and our ability to deal with the electrified range of vehicles that Jaguar Land Rover will bring into India.”

About Tata Power

Tata Power is India’s largest integrated power company and, together with its subsidiaries & jointly controlled entities, has an installed capacity of 11,265 MW. A pioneer in the field, it has a presence across the entire power value chain: Generation of renewable as well as conventional power including hydro and thermal energy; transmission & distribution, trading and coal & freight logistics. With renewable energy assets in solar and wind accounting for 30% of the company's portfolio, Tata Power is a leader in clean energy generation. In line with the company's view on sustainable and clean energy development, Tata Power is steering the transformation of utilities to integrated solutions by looking at new business growth in EV charging & storage, distributed generation & rooftops, micro grids and home automation & smart meters.

Tata Power have a network to over 120 charging points across public, captive, residential & corporate segments addressing different charging standards

Jaguar Product Portfolio in India

The Jaguar range in India includes XE (starting at ₹ 44.98 Lakh), XF (starting at ₹ 49.78 Lakh), F-PACE (starting at ₹ 63.78 Lakh), XJ (starting at ₹ 111.30 Lakh) and F-TYPE (starting at ₹ 90.93 Lakh). All prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices in India.

Land Rover Product Portfolio in India

The Land Rover range in India includes the Range Rover Evoque (starting at ₹ 54.94 Lakh),  Discovery Sport (starting at ₹ 57.06 Lakh), the New Defender (starting at ₹ 69.99 Lakh) the Range Rover Velar (priced at ₹ 71.87 Lakh), Discovery (starting at ₹ 75.60 Lakh), Range Rover Sport (starting at ₹ 87.02 Lakh) and Range Rover (starting at ₹ 182.25 Lakh). All prices mentioned are ex-showroom prices in India.

Mindfields Named One of Asia-Pacific’s Leading Service Providers in Automation and Artificial Intelligence

Mindfields, the global Intelligent Automation, and Artificial Intelligence advisory firm today announced that IDC Financial Insights has named it as one of the leading service providers in the recently released IDC Perspective: Six Capabilities from Leading RPA Service Providers That Advance Financial Services Institutions toward Intelligent Automation. The IDC Perspective recognises Mindfields as a leading service provider which has the desired capabilities to offer ready propositions in intelligent automation solutions to the financial services industry in Asia/Pacific.

IDC Financial Insights indicates that institutions which choose an intelligent automation service provider based on six identified capabilities, typically achieve more favorable and long-term results from their automation deployments. The report maps and analyses these six capabilities for eight leading service providers including Mindfields. These capabilities are:

Ability to deliver desired business outcomes
Process identification and optimization
Ability to deliver enterprise wide scale
Security, governance, and post-deployment support as core tenets
Intelligence powered by AI technologies and innovative tools; and
Availability of talent and strong ecosystem support.
Mohit Sharma, Founder and Chairman, Mindfields said, “All of us at Mindfields are enthused to be part of the report and we thank IDC for shortlisting us for this report.  The report is truly an acknowledgment of our steadfast commitment in enabling our clients to Grow for Tomorrow by offering disruptive Intelligent Automation (IA) services. Mindfields has been focused on scaling up the automation journeys of its clients and bringing down the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for automation.”

The IDC report is an important enabler for Financial Services institutions to understand the various nuances in the implementation or scaling of automation solutions. It recognizes the importance of our CoE.exe, MindUni and MindEzy offerings.

Mindfields has been a partner to several leading Financial Services Institutions in the Asia Pacific region on their automation journeys. Mindfields uses a comprehensive approach including the use of RPA, Intelligent Automation, AI and other innovative technologies to deliver business outcomes. Its product portfolio includes a Centre of Excellence platform (CoE.exe), a cloud-based automation management platform (MindEzy), an onshore, offshore or hybrid support offering (MindSupport), Mindfields IP based IA consulting and bot development training programs, which are customized for both graduate and corporate professionals (MindUni) and a finance function automation package (CFO.exe). Mindfields has implemented over 1000 processes and deployed more than 400 robots in production on a global basis.

Mindfields is a pioneer of Automation Advisory Services in the Asia-Pacific region and works with several leading enterprise clients including organisations such as ANZ Bank, ING, Rabo Bank, Equifax, iCare, AMP, CIBC, Pepper Finance, Suncorp, Aus Post, Water Corporation, St John of God Healthcare, Edith Cowan University, Australia Post, Australian Super, Sensis and Seek to assist in their Intelligent Automation and Digital Transformation journey.

About Mindfields
Founded in 2006, Mindfields is a vendor-agnostic Intelligent Automation and Artificial Intelligence advisory firm, providing strategy services to CXO level executives across verticals on emerging and disruptive technologies. Mindfields started its Automation Advisory offering in 2013 and was among the first few on a Global basis and the first in Australia to offer such advisory services. Mindfields is globally recognised by Gartner, IDC, ISG and HFS Research as a leading, niche Intelligent Automation (IA) advisory firm. We enable our clients to 'Grow for Tomorrow'. We have been ranked among the top 20 fastest growing Australian firms in the Deloitte Fast 500 in 2017. Mindfields has been expanding its footprint and presently has operations in Australia, Asia and the United States.