Vodafone Idea Collaborates with IBM to Enhance Customer Experience Powered by Big Data Platform

* IBM Services implements data transformation with open technologies to propel Vodafone Idea’s hybrid cloud strategy

* Remote end-to-end project management, delivery and implementation during COVID-19 lockdown

IBM (NYSE: IBM) and Vodafone Idea Limited (VIL) today announced that IBM Services has been selected to help the leading telecom operator embrace open source at scale across the enterprise by implementing the Big Data Platform on open source Hadoop framework. As VIL's strategic technology partner, IBM is leading the end-to-end implementation and management of the Big Data Platform.

As a part of the implementation, IBM is responsible for program management, consulting, system integration, infrastructure services, application operations, and maintenance support. Additionally, IBM is helping in enhancing network security. The IBM team's expertise is integral to supporting VIL achieve a reduction in the overall cost of data analytics. The insights from advanced data mining is empowering employees and partners in faster decision making and elevating the omnichannel, digital-first experience, for end customers.

The implementation builds on IBM’s existing work to advance VIL’s hybrid cloud transformation using open technologies. This includes an agreement earlier this year to deliver its Open Universal Cloud with IBM and Red Hat to accelerate network and IT modernization. IBM has been a strategic IT partner to Vodafone Idea for more than a decade.

With the world’s largest IT and network integration, Vodafone Idea has a need for large scale data transformation with a focus on architecture modernization, open-source adoption and using predictive analytics for data modernization.

By partnering on this implementation, IBM is helping VIL transform the way data is optimized and delivered to partners, employees and internal systems. Fragmented, siloed data can now be streamlined for seamless data availability. VIL will also be able to combine insights from the Big Data Platform and better leverage cloud native technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance revenues, reduce costs and elevate customer experiences.

Currently, insights derived from the data are leveraged for management dashboards, campaign management, network analytics, usage traffic analysis, product analysis, amongst others.

Talking about the success of the project, Vishant Vora, Chief Technology Officer, Vodafone Idea Limited said, “With the successful completion of the world’s largest integration in record time, we have embarked on a journey equipped with augmented data insights to help millions of our customers with customized and faster service launches. VIL has set up world-class network with largest spectrum portfolio, huge capacity and deployed many principles of 5G architecture that has helped us transform into a future-fit, digital network for the changing customer needs. Along with IBM we have implemented many first-of-kind projects and the big data and analytics engagement is one such initiative. The open source approach has helped us in modernizing infrastructure and network experience, helping our people and partners in quicker business decision making. The power of data will help transform our cloud and AI journey in the future.”

Sharing his views Sandip Patel, Managing Director, IBM India/South Asia said, “VIL is at the forefront of adopting open technologies helping shape the telecom landscape in India. The modernized and future-ready data platform is helping VIL get daily actionable insights to make strategic and operational level decisions effectively. IBM and VIL team worked together in challenging times of COVID-19 lockdown to seamlessly execute a complex and enterprise-wide deployment remotely. We are excited to be part of VIL’s Digital Transformation powered by Data. The engagement will help VIL further  lay the foundations for accelerating its hybrid cloud journey.” 

Life Essentials Personal Care Launches All Natural, No-Alcohol Spray Range Against Bacteria, Viruses Including COVID-19

Life Essentials Personal Care Pvt Ltd today launched a path breaking and innovative range of No Alcohol - No Bleach Protection Sprays. Named ‘W2 Protection Spray Range’, the product has been scaled up, manufactured and commercialised by Life Essentials and is based on licensing of the ECORSANI technology developed by IIT Bombay.

EcorsaniTM  technology by IIT Bombay relates to biodegradable, safe, GRAS approved compositions. The materials are safe for human contact and are free from harmful chemicals or alcohol. The EcorsaniTM formulation is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal and on direct application has inactivated coronavirus samples. The active antimicrobial agents from natural sources,  inactivate  bacteria (Gram positive & Gram negative), fungi (Yeast & Mold) and viruses (Enveloped & Non – enveloped). The actives act by charge and surface activity to disrupt the cell wall of bacteria and fungi and the envelope of viruses.  This technology when tested on SARS-nCOV2 (COVID 19) virus on direct application has proven to inactivate the Covid 19 virus.

The W2 Protection Spray Range includes - W2 Apparel Protection Spray, W2 Room Protection Spray, W2 Hand-Body Protection Spray and W2 Surface Protection Spray. The efficiency and effectiveness of the W2 protection sprays is analogous to 70% alcohol and 1% hypochlorite based solutions. The alcohol and bleach free products have been formulated with a blend of  all-natural, biodegradable, safe to use and made of GRAS approved composition (Generally recognized as safe (GRAS), a US-FDA designation that certifies ingredients are safe ). Unlike the current range of available products in the market, this spray is free from toxic chemicals.

The W2 Apparel Protection Spray when directly applied on clothes ensures protection from  viruses, bacteria and fungi for up to 24 hours.  This can be sprayed on your clothes before leaving the house and it will give you an all day protection from germs. The W2 Room Protection Sprays can be used for protecting one’s  home or carrying it along so that it can be sprayed wherever one goes,  be it an elevator, a cab, metro, office or a restaurant. The third variant - The W2 Hand and Body Protection Spray can be applied to hands and any of the exposed body parts. The formulation of this product has been approved by the Ministry of AYUSH and is devoid of  harmful chemicals. The product is completely safe to be applied on the hands before eating and the added moisturization prevents the hands from getting dry and rough. The W2 Surface Protection Spray once applied on any hard surface like wood, tiles, metallic surfaces, can give protection for up to 24 hours. Formulated to be safe for children and adults, the W2 Protection Spray Range comes in mild fragrances and keeps you and your surroundings protected.

Speaking on the launch of the new range, Mr Amandeep Singh, Director, Life Essentials Personal Care Pvt Ltd, commented, “There is an urgent need for personal protection, for the public at large and especially the people who are going out of their houses every day. Our products are made to minimise the risk you and your loved ones face when they are going out or when someone is coming to your home or office. Our Protection Sprays give you the freedom to step out minimising the fear of contracting the deadly virus and adapt to the new normal without much worry of the side-effects of alcohol and bleach based products. The products are available across India through our website www.w2whywait.com and e-commerce platforms like Amazon & Flipkart.”

Spearheading R&D for the technology, Dr Rinti Banerjee, Chair Professor, Dept of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, said,” We have been working on safe, and natural products that kill bacteria even before the pandemic. During this period, we modified and fine tuned our technologies to be effective against viruses and fungi also. EcorsaniTM technology (patent filed) is composed of natural, biodegradable ingredients known to be safe for human use and is free of alcohol or bleach. The formulation shows very strong antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal effects and is equivalent to 70% alcohol in effectiveness. We are very happy to partner with our Licensee Life Essentials for launch of the W2 range of products incorporating this technology. This technology provides us  a safe alternative for antimicrobial protection.’

Over the past few months, Coronavirus has completely changed our lifestyle especially our hygiene habits, while these habits are here to stay it is very important we make conscious choices in choosing products that we are exposing ourselves to. The W2 range is a part of Make in India initiative of the Government and is supported by Government of India COVID ECLG Scheme - Made in India, Made for the world. Life Essentials plans to invest 30 Crores into the development and distribution of its products over the next one year. These investments will be funded by internal accruals as well as by external investments. The  range of products by W2 minimise the risk of health complications which chemical based sanitizers and protection sprays may cause in the long run. As the Ministry of Housing and Family Welfare announce the Unlock 5.0 guidelines and more and more people step out of their  homes, especially the vulnerable segment of the society including children, protection sprays such as the Apparel sprays and Surface Sprays which have the power to protect us against bacteria, virus and fungi for up to 24 hours will act as our personal safety cover.

About W2 | Life Essentials Personal Care Pvt. Ltd

A wellness brand that combines the goodness of natural ingredients, with state-of-the-art technology offered by modern science. Backed by a team of researchers Life Essentials has developed skin care and personal care products that are a breakthrough in the field of preventive cosmetology.

The idea behind the brand W2 (W Square) is targeted at this almost universal habit. W2 stands for ‘Why Wait’: Why Wait for tomorrow when you can act today. It ushers in a range of products which are based upon the concept of Preventive Cosmetology which implies taking regular care of body, skin and hair so that their natural beauty can be maintained and accentuated forever.  All the same, making yourself beautiful should not be at the cost of making our Mother earth ugly.  W2 products are formulated as per the tenets of Ayurveda and environment consciousness is at the heart of all development.

Executive Summary of CACTUS Mental Health Survey in India

The CACTUS Mental Health Survey Report contains an analysis of a survey designed by Cactus Communications and analysed by Shift Learning, aiming to better understand the area of researcher mental health. It is based on the opinions of 13,000 researchers from over 160 countries, gathered over 8 months using a range of channels. 

A large proportion of the survey period was during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been taken into account when interpreting the results.

INSPIRING WORK ENVIRONMENTS – Nearly half of respondents indicated that the academic environment they worked in inspired them to work towards their research goals. Many open comments spoke of the support of peers but noted that their wider organization and/or leadership was less supportive and inspiring. More senior respondents were more likely to be inspired by their environment compared to PhD scholars or those having worked in research for under 10 years.

PURPOSE AND FULFILLMENT – Researchers’ lives seem to have many positive aspects and 76% agreed their work gave them a sense of purpose or fulfilment. 65% agreed that they enjoyed their non-research responsibilities. 

FEELING OVERWHELMED – 38% stated they had felt overwhelmed by their work situation fairly or very often in the previous month. Notably, PhD scholars were consistently more likely to state they felt overwhelmed fairly or very often in the previous month, compared to those with other academic designations. 

LONG WORKING HOURS – Researchers in our survey worked long hours, with over 31% reporting that they worked more than 50 hours and 13% reporting that they worked more than 60 hours per week. Researchers working in academic settings were significantly more likely to report working upwards of 50 hours per week (32%) compared to those working in other sectors. Those who worked longer hours were more likely to report feeling overwhelmed fairly or very often.

PRESSURE TO PERFORM – 65% of respondents indicated they were under tremendous pressure to publish papers, secure grants, and complete projects. Similarly, 56% of respondents agreed that they were under continuous pressure to maintain their current good standing or reputation in the research community. These pressures were particularly strong in academic settings. 

DISCRIMINATION AND HARASSMENT – While 64% of respondents indicated they felt welcome and included in their organization and with their peers, 37% of respondents had experienced or were experiencing discrimination, harassment or bullying, with 60% of mixed-race researchers, 45% researchers self-identifying as homosexual and 42% of female researchers reporting this. Those who had experienced discrimination, harassment or bullying were more likely to also indicate they had felt overwhelmed in the last month than those who had not.

THE IMPORTANCE OF WORKPLACE POLICIES – Respondents were highly divided when asked whether their organizations had adequate policies in place around discrimination and harassment, ethics, and work-life balance, perhaps indicating some highly varied practices across the sector. The presence or absence of robust policies seemed to have a strong impact on whether respondents reported experiencing negative behaviors and how often they felt overwhelmed by their work situation. 66% of those who strongly agreed or agreed that their institution lacked strict policies in this area reported having experienced discrimination, harassment or bullying at work, compared to 21% of those who reported being in institutions that had strict policies in place. Similarly, 48% of those who agreed or agreed strongly that ‘My organization does not have strict policies to prevent, detect, and take action against any form of discrimination/harassment/bullying’ had felt overwhelmed fairly or very often, compared with 32% or disagreed or strongly disagreed with the statement. Strict policies appear perhaps to be a key defining element of a supportive workplace.

SEEKING SUPPORT – 49% of respondents said they would not discuss work-based feelings of severe stress or anxiety with relevant people/authorities in their workplace. Key barriers here were a sense that others would be unable to help, concerns that it might reflect poorly on that individual, fear of not being taken seriously, and a sense that these feelings were part of normal academic life. The sense that stress and anxiety were normal in academic life also often prevented researchers from seeking professional help when they encountered these feelings.

ExxonMobil Launches its Flagship 4 Wheeler and 2 Wheeler Service Center Channel - Mobil Bike Care Elite and Mobil Car Care Elite

ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned affiliate of ExxonMobil Corporation, has launched in association with independent workshop owners its flagship Mobil Bike Care Elite and Mobil Car Care Elite service centers in India.

The flagship channel, launched in association with independent workshop owners, which aims at providing a premium bike and car servicing experience.

This launch is a step forward for the company’s Mobil Bike Care and Mobil Car Care workshops launched in 2018. Mobil’s flagship channel launch is in tune with its goal of advancing its customers’ mobility, productivity and sustainability ambitions through rewarding Mobil brand experiences.

Speaking on the program, in the Indian retail market, Deepankar Banerjee, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt Ltd, said, “With the introduction of this channel, ExxonMobil is taking one more step to reach out to consumers to provide world-class support to protect their vehicles and maximize their use. This association with independent workshop owners will enable our customers to have access to premium service centers and experience the best that Mobil has to offer while confidently getting their vehicles serviced at a flagship center.”

Launched in Bengaluru and Delhi currently, Mobil has plans to expand the flagship program into select cities across India. Independent workshops will be organized through Mobil ‘Elite’ branding and superior lubricant technology to provide an enhanced and comprehensive maintenance service for multi-brand car and bike models.

Sharing further insight on the launch, Rupinder Paintal, Director of Market Development for ExxonMobil Lubricants Pvt. Ltd., said, “ExxonMobil displays its technology leadership through its products and this effective customer engagement program that positively impacts the customer experience. At its core, this program is about offering premium, convenient, trustworthy and comprehensive car care and bike care services to consumers”

The Mobil Bike Care Elite and Mobil Car Care Elite outlets will offer expert maintenance recommendations and detailed inspection. Customers at these workshops will receive best-in-class quality lubricants and standardized service from a team of highly qualified and committed workforce of the independent workshop owners.

About ExxonMobil in India

ExxonMobil’s downstream business distributes, sells and markets Mobil-branded lubricants and specialties. The chemicals business provides market-development support, analytical and reporting services. It also provides chemical product-application support services and product-testing support at its technology center in Bengaluru. The upstream business conducts LNG market development activities and provides consultant services for other ExxonMobil upstream affiliates. The global business center/technical support center provides a range of business and technical support services for ExxonMobil’s operations around the globe. ExxonMobil affiliates support a range of education, health and community programs in India.

Ather Energy Begins Setting Up of One of India’s Biggest Public Charging Infrastructure with Ather Grid Across India

“Ather Grid has seen steady adoption in Bengaluru & Chennai and we believe that accessible charging infrastructure is critical before launching our products in any market we enter.” says Ravneet Singh Phokela, Chief Business Officer. Holding true to this, Ather Energy, that intends to launch across 9 new markets in India has already finalized setting up 135 public fast charging stations. Ather Energy has 37 fast charging stations in Bengaluru and 13 in Chennai, taking the total count to 150 fast charging stations across India. 

This makes Ather Energy, one of the few companies in India to have set up and contributed towards building an ecosystem for electric vehicles in the country. While many OEMs have launched electric vehicles in India, Ather has shown their commitment to EV revolution by investing on a public infrastructure and alleviating range anxiety amongst consumers. Ather Grid fast charging network can be used by all electric two-wheelers and electric four-wheelers and can charge the Ather 450X at 15 km in 10 minutes. 

Ather Energy has signed MOUs with partners like VR Mall, PPZ mall management, restaurant and cafe chains like Little Italy, Blue Tokai, Chai Kings, retail outlets like Sangeetha mobiles, and now has access to more than 250 locations across the country. The installations of the Ather Grid Points will begin  before deliveries of the Ather 450X in November 2020.

As part of Phase 1 of the rapid expansion, Ather Energy will install about 5-10 fast charging points before delivery in each of the new markets they are expanding to. Ather Energy will continue to partner with more progressive hosts which can offer EV owners easy accessibility, curb range anxiety, and ease the adoption of electric vehicles in India.  

The Ather Grid is supported by the Ather Grid app which allows all EV owners to directly ascertain available and unavailable locations on the home screen. The application also has filters and information related to 4+wheeler friendly locations, availability of free and paid parking, location timings and more . 

Ather Energy targets to set-up 6500 charging points across the country by 2022. 

Quote by Ravneet Phokela, Chief Business Officer “What the market needs right now is more visibility of the charging infrastructure. With increased visibility comes mental comfort, curbing range anxiety. We do not need the density like petrol or CNG gas stations but increased accessibility and faster charging speeds. We will ensure that Ather Grid is present in prominent locations in every city to build confidence amongst our consumers. I feel proud to be part of the team that is building not just a high performance scooter but also building the supporting ecosystem with it. It’s a huge investment and we believe it’s a necessary one to improve the adoption of EVs in India.”  

Hero Motocorp Introduces the Exciting Glamour ‘Blaze’ Edition in India

Reaffirming its commitment to an exciting and aggressive portfolio, Hero MotoCorp, the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters, has introduced a new special edition of the popular Glamour motorcycle – the Glamour Blaze. 

In-line with the DNA of Glamour brand – the new motorcycle provides performance, comfort and style, now in a new Matt Vernier Grey Color. It also brings a new feature in the 125cc motorcycle category – a USB charger to the handlebar.

Glamour Blaze will be available at Hero MotoCorp showrooms across the country at an attractive price of Rs 72,200/-*.

*(ex-showroom Delhi)

Commenting on the new motorcycle, Naveen Chauhan, Head – Sales and Aftersales, Hero MotoCorp, said, “Glamour is a highly popular brand across the country and represents style and performance. The response to the new Glamour that was launched recently has been positive and now in its Blaze edition, the brand continues to resonate with the youth of the country.”

Malo Le Masson, Head of Strategy, Hero MotoCorp, said, “We have a strong line-up of new products ahead of the upcoming festive season. The new Glamour Blaze is a high-on-energy edition that will increase its appeal for the young riders.”

Glamour Blaze

The new Glamour Blaze is powered by 125cc BS-VI engine with XSens Programmed Fuel Injection. The engine produces power output of 10.7 BHP @ 7500 RPM and torque of 10.6 Nm @ 6000 RPM. Featuring Hero’s revolutionary i3S (idle start-stop system), together with Auto Sail Technology, the Glamour Blaze delivers on its brand promise of performance and comfort.

Adding to the functionality and riding comfort, it offers a USB charger on the handle and comes with the side-stand indicator. The front 240mm disk brakes and ground clearance of 180mm provide confident reliability and all-day riding comfort with real road presence.

The new Glamour Blaze ups the style quotient for the aspirational youth with its new Matt Vernier Grey Color and Funk-Lime Yellow graphics.

Mr. Vijay Kakkad and Mr. Mohit Kakkad of V. N. Finance Honoured with ET Industry Leaders West Award 2020

Mr. Vijay Kakkad (Chairman) and Mr. Mohit Kakkad (MD) of V. N. Finance Pvt. Ltd. have been honoured with the prestigious Economic Times (ET) Industry Leaders West Award 2020. V. N. Finance has been recognised by ET as Emerging Firm in Tech-Enabled NBFC category.  

Mr. Vijay Kakkad, the key guiding force of the Company, is a sharp entrepreneur with unparalleled business acumen. He has more than 30 years of experience of running different businesses. Mr. Mohit Kakkad is a young dynamic entrepreneur with a vision to reach out to every person, who is not able to fulfil his/her dreams for lack of finance. He appreciates the power of technology and is an avid learner with a number of successful businesses under his belt. V. N. Finance seeks to deploy best-in-class cutting-edge technology and digital solutions to keep up with its mission of providing the best-possible customer experience and lightning fast decision making in loan appraisal and disbursal processes. It has created benchmarks for the processes, which are monitored religiously and constantly upgraded to the next level. 

Mr. Vijay Kakkad, Chairman, V. N. Finance, said, “We, at V. N. Finance, are proud and honoured to be recognised as ET Industry Leaders West award winners for year 2020. V. N. Finance is a tech-enabled new-age NBFC, which empowers unbanked and financially lesser privileged sections of society at the mid-bottom of the pyramid. I dedicate this award to every entrepreneur, start up, business man and woman, migrant workers and labourers who want to realize their dreams and fulfil aspirations.” 

Mr. Mohit Kakkad, MD, V. N. Finance, added, “V. N. Finance intends to transform the loan marketplace in India by fulfilling its customers’ dreams with easy, quick and hassle-free loans. Our People, Digital Systems & Processes are so customer friendly that even uneducated customers can navigate through with utmost ease. V. N. Finance is extremely fast in credit assessment and disbursal with 90% plus strike rate of disbursals in less than 24 hours. In addition to the above, we have developed a proprietary credit evaluation algorithm, which enables us to serve our target segment with the right balance of managing risks. We are also developing technology backbone to enhance the reach of our unique approach and leverage our algorithms.”

V. N. Finance recently announced Gold Loan to help people unlock their dreams instantly from anywhere anytime. It helps them to get the best and highest (possible) loan to value (LTV) ratio on a 24X7 basis and to sail through their urgent financial needs smoothly within a short period of time. Those people, who need unsecured loans and have no security or no existing assets, can directly (or through intermediaries) approach VN Finance and share their creditworthiness and repayment capacity. They will get the funds at the best of terms to achieve their dreams. VN Finance offers pre-payment option-without any penalty; optimal documentation; shorter response time; and safe custody for family jewels and gold jewellery. Just call 022-20877888…

VN Finance also offers secured loans such as Loan Against Property (LAP) and Loans against Inventories. V. N. Finance's professional team fully understands business needs and provides funding against the goods and inventories already lying in the shops/godown. The small business owner just needs to furnish the inventory list, its value and their needs. It is also taking its social responsibility seriously with an initiative to help NGOs and self-help groups in assisting migrant labour and other poor & needy. It recognised that every customer’s needs are different with different context --- so 'one-size fits all' approach doesn’t apply.

V. N. Finance Pvt. Ltd. (VNF) is an innovative financial company Incorporated in March 2019 as a Non-Deposit taking NBFC (ND). The company is founded by 31-year old Mohit Kakkad with a vision to use technology to provide finance to hitherto unbanked section of society. The Company is mainly engaged is providing the small and medium size ticket loans on secured and unsecured basis. Unsecured loans are being provided based on creditworthiness and repayment capacity of the borrowers. The senior management of the company consists of senior leaders from banking industry and mentored by some of the highly qualified professionals. V. N. Finance has put in place an interest rate policy, adopted by the Board, taking into account relevant factors such as, cost of funds, margin and risk premium, etc and determine the rate of interest to be charged for loans. It has a robust KYV Policy, Fair Practices Code and Corporate Governance Policy.